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This study estimates how highways affected industrial development in China's peripheral regions between 1998 and 2007, a period during which China experienced rapid growth in highway mileage. Highways between major cities pass through some counties but not others. Based on this difference in counties' access to highways, we conduct a difference-in-difference propensity score matching estimation, with the treatment variables being counties' highway connection status and their industrial performance before and after being connected to a highway. We find that highways promote industrial development in counties with higher output and greater investment levels. Moreover, highways have differential impacts across industries and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A significant proportion of colonic polyps are unsuitable for endoscopic removal. A combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach is an alternative to conventional polypectomy or resection. In this review, we set out to determine whether avoiding segmental resection for benign colonic polyps was a viable option through combined endolaparoscopic surgery (CELS). We examined the methods and classification criteria different centers employed in their reporting. Finally, we determined whether CELS and procedures methodically similar should be considered as the standard of care today.Methods: A systematic review was performed reporting the outcomes of CELS for benign colorectal polyps. Main outcomes measured included operating time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. The CELS data from reports with a larger number of polyps examined were compared to data from representative EMR, ESD and laparoscopic colectomy literature.Results: Eighteen eligible studies with 532 patients were included. We identified three different CELS techniques: EMR, ESD and full-thickness excision. The operative time for CELS reported in 12 studies varied from 45 to 205 min. The successful endoscopic resection rate ranged from 58 to 100%. Conversion to open surgery was reported in <5%. The length of hospital stay varied from 0 to 7 days. Overall postoperative complications ranged from 0 to 18%. The reports of CELS with more than 20 polyps presented 74-91% successful rate. In comparison with laparoscopic group, CELS groups showed shorter operation time (92-145 vs 125-199 min) and length of hospital stay (1-1.5 vs 4-11 days).Conclusions: CELS and similar procedures are viable options for intestinal polyps removal. Moving forward, we suggest methods to standardize CELS procedure reporting. The reported outcomes of CELS indicate that it should be seen as a viable alternative to segmental resection when endoscopic methods alone do not suffice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper uses firm-level data to examine how supply chain networks affected the recovery of firms from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Extensive supply chains can negatively affect recovery through higher vulnerability to network disruption and positively through support from trading partners, easier search for new partners, and general benefits of agglomeration. Our results indicate that networks with firms outside of the impacted area contributed to the earlier resumption of production, whereas networks within the region contributed to sales recovery in the medium term. The results suggest that the positive effects of supply chains typically exceed the negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the clinical benefits of novel predictive markers for distant recurrence with colorectal cancer using lectin microarray analysis of cell surface glycan modifications. Glycoproteins were extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens and normal epithelium from 53 consecutive curatively resected stage I-III colorectal cancer cases and then subjected to lectin microarray to obtain lectin-glycan interaction ( LGI) values. In addition, clinicopathological factors associated with distant recurrence were identified. LGI values that were associated with distant recurrence were validated with an additional 55 curatively resected stage II colorectal cancer cases. LGI values for Agaricus bisporus ( ABA) lectin, prominent in cancer tissues, were statistically associated with distant recurrence. ABA lectin staining exhibited strikingly intense signals in the cytoplasm and apical surfaces of cancer cells, while weak staining was observed in the supranuclear regions of normal epithelium. This ABA tumor/normal LGI ratio may be a new predictive biomarker for distant recurrence of curatively resected colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rectoseminal vesicle fistula is a rare complication after a low anterior resection for rectal cancer, usually developing in the outpatient postoperative period with pneumaturia, fever, scrotal swelling or testicular pain. A diagnostic water-soluble contrast enema, cystography and computed tomography reveal a tract from the rectum to the seminal vesicle. Anastomotic leakage is thought to be partially responsible for the formation of such tracts. This report presents three cases of rectoseminal vesicle fistula, and the presumed course of the disease and optimal treatment options are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal surgical strategy for resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCLM), whether simultaneous or staged resections, still remains obscure. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the predicted operation time (POT) strategy, which recommends staged resections in case of POT ≥6 h, otherwise selecting simultaneous resection. Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized, single-institution study. Fifty-nine patients with SCLM underwent tumor resection according to the POT strategy, with patients with a longer POT (≥6 h) undergoing staged resection. Morbidity, overall hospitalization, tumor resection rates, and survival were compared with that of 86 patients who underwent simultaneous resection for SCLM irrespective of POT from 1992 to 2004. Results: The former simultaneous and the latter POT strategy groups were similar in terms of patient and tumor demographics as well as surgical procedures. Of the 59 POT group patients, 26 patients (44 %) experienced 40 postoperative complications. Comparing the surgical results of simultaneous resection from 1992 to 2004 and those of resection according to the POT strategy, morbidity (64 vs. 44 %, p = 0.02), frequency of anastomotic leakage (21 vs. 5 %, p < 0.01), and length of hospital stay (27 vs. 18 days, p < 0.01) were significantly lower in the latter group, while tumor resection rates (85 vs. 87 %, p = 0.77) were not different. Conclusions: The POT strategy is effective in reducing the morbidity in SCLM patients by selecting staged resections in the high-morbidity-risk group without adverse effects on oncologic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal surgical strategy for resectable, synchronous, colorectal liver metastases remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine which patients could benefit from staged resections instead of simultaneous resection by identifying predictive factors for postoperative morbidity and anastomotic leakage after simultaneous resection of synchronous, colorectal liver metastases and the primary colorectal tumor. Methods: This study involved 86 patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases who underwent simultaneous resection of the primary colorectal tumor and the hepatic tumor. Postoperative mortality, morbidity, and other surgical outcomes, including survival and hospitalization, were assessed. Predictive factors for postoperative morbidity and for anastomotic leakage were evaluated. Results: Postoperative morbidity and anastomotic leakage were found in 55 (64%) and 18 (21%) patients. Predictive factors for postoperative morbidity and for anastomotic leakage were intraoperative blood loss and operation time >8 h, respectively. The overall 5-year survival rate was 45%. Conclusions: The frequency of morbidity and that of anastomotic leakage seemed to be high after simultaneous resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases, especially when intraoperative blood loss or operation time increased greatly. Staged resections should be considered in cases in which excessive surgical stress from simultaneous resection of synchronous colorectal liver metastases would be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major objective of this paper is to estimate regional utility levels based on interregional migration data. We first revealed three stylized facts concerning migration behavior by examining long-term Japanese data on interregional migration. We then uncovered inconsistency between net migration and utility differential in the presence of distance-related migration costs. Based on the stylized facts and the inconsistency problem, we formulated an operational model and estimated interregional utility differentials. We showed that the interregional utility differentials converged until the late 1970s. We also showed that the utility estimates are highly correlated with the per capita real income. We also applied the model to interregional migration data in the United States and Canada and confirmed the model's validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a structural model of new economic geography, we estimate the effect of accessibility to foreign knowledge on international income distribution. Whereas previous literature has mainly focused on the importance of geographical accessibility to foreign markets, this paper emphasizes the role of accessibility to foreign knowledge in determining international income inequality. Using cross-country data of income per worker, bilateral trade flows, and number of flight passengers, we find evidence that the accessibility to foreign knowledge raises per capita income significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a very rare symptom of severe hypoglycemia associated with extrapancreatic tumors. It is considered to be caused by insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐II. There have been no autopsy cases of colorectal carcinoma with NICTH confirmed with both serum high molecular weight and tumoral IGF‐II. We report the case of a 46‐year‐old woman with advanced sigmoid colon cancer and liver metastases. She underwent open sigmoidectomy, and histologically, the lesion was a differentiated‐type tubular adenocarcinoma. Postoperative chemotherapy was initiated. However, she experienced repeated hypoglycemia attacks 10 months after the operation, while the liver metastases increased. We examined the cause of hypoglycemia, and finally diagnosed her with NICTH associated with high molecular weight IGF‐II production, which was proven by Western immunoblot of the serum. She died 12 months after surgery and was examined by autopsy. Liver metastases showed a transition from adenocarcinoma to carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. Immunohistochemistry showed that both metastatic carcinoma of the liver and primary colonic adenocarcinoma were positive for IGF‐II. Neuroendocrine differentiation in liver metastases proven by an autopsy may have contributed to tumor growth, which may have exacerbated the symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with amorphous CoFeB and Co2MnSi electrodes were fabricated and examined. In the case of [Co90Fe10]100-xBx, the x = 32% boron addition reduces the magnetization by 30% compared to Co90Fe10, yet the reduction of the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) is over 95%. On the contrary, in the case of Co(100-x-y)MnxSiy, although net magnetization is very small at room temperature, the TMR can be as large as 7%. The character of each metalloid (boron and silicon) could be responsible for the peculiar behavior to each system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although intestinal derotation procedure has advantages of facilitating mesopancreas excision during pancreaticoduodenectomy, the wide mobilization takes time and risks injuring other organs. This article describes a modified intestinal derotation procedure in pancreaticoduodenectomy and its clinical impact on short-term outcomes. Methods: The modified procedure comprised the pinpoint mobilization of the proximal jejunum following reversed Kocherization. Among 99 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2016 and 2022, the short-term outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy with the modified procedure were compared with those of conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy. The feasibility of the modified procedure was investigated based on the vascular anatomy of the mesopancreas. Results: Compared with conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 55), the modified procedure (n = 44) involved less blood loss and shorter operation time (p < 0.001 and 0.017, respectively). Severe morbidity, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, and prolonged hospitalization occurred less often with the modified procedure compared with conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy (p = 0.003, 0.008, and < 0.001, respectively). According to preoperative image findings, most (72%) patients had a single inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery sharing a common trunk with the first jejunal artery. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein drained into the jejunal vein in 71% of the patients. The first jejunal vein ran behind the superior mesenteric artery in 77% of the patients. Conclusions: By combining our modified intestinal derotation procedure with preoperative recognition of the vascular anatomy of mesopancreas, mesopancreas excision during pancreaticoduodenectomy can be performed safely and accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), but a method to prevent DGE has not been established. This study aims to demonstrate a novel technique utilizing a lengthened efferent limb in Billroth-II (B-II) reconstruction during PD and to evaluate the impact of the longer efferent limb on DGE occurrence. Methods: Patients who underwent PD with B-II reconstruction were divided into two groups: PDs with lengthened (50–60 cm) efferent limb (L group) and standard length (0–30 cm) efferent limb (S group). Postoperative outcomes were compared. DGE was defined and graded according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery criteria. Results: Among 283 consecutive patients who underwent PD from 2002 to 2021, 206 patients were included in this study. Patients who underwent Roux-en-Y reconstruction (n = 77) were excluded. Compared with the S group, the L group included older patients and those who underwent PD after 2016 (p = 0.025, < 0.001, respectively). D2 lymphadenectomy, antecolic route reconstruction, and Braun enteroenterostomy were performed more frequently in the L group (p = 0.040, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). The rate of DGE was significantly decreased to 6% in the L group, compared with 16% in the S group (p = 0.027), which might lead to a shorter hospital stay in the L group (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified two factors as independent predictors for DGE: intraabdominal abscess [odds ratio (OR) 5.530, p = 0.008] and standard efferent limb length (OR 2.969, p = 0.047). Conclusion: A lengthened efferent limb in Braun enteroenterostomy could reduce DGE after PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Molecular markers as indicators for gastric cancer recurrence are urgently required. The aim of this study was to identify lectins that can be used to predict gastric cancer recurrence after gastrectomy. Methods: We created lectin expression profiles by microarray analysis for 60 patients, who underwent surgery for gastric cancer at the Oita University Hospital between January, 2005 and December, 2007. Lectin expression and clinicopathological factors in patients who suffered gastric cancer recurrence and those who did not were compared by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Thirteen lectins showed a significant increase in binding to cancer tissues, whereas 11 lectins showed a significant decrease in binding to cancer tissues, when compared with binding to normal epithelia. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis and low Bauhinia purpurea lectin (BPL)-binding signals were independent predictive factors for recurrence. All patients with low BPL expression had significantly worse relapse-free survival than those with high BPL expression. Conclusions: Our results using a novel lectin microarray system provide the first solid evidence that BPL expression is a predictor of gastric cancer recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to analyze the risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) after low anterior resection (LAR) in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) with rectal cancer.Data were collected from four hundred two obese patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer in 51 institutions.Forty-six (11.4%) patients had clinical AL. The median BMI (27 kg/m2) did not differ between the AL and non-AL groups. In the AL group, comorbid respiratory disease was more common (p = 0.025), and the median tumor size was larger (p = 0.002). The incidence of AL was 11.5% in the open surgery subgroup and 11.4% in the laparoscopic surgery subgroup. Among the patients who underwent open surgery, the AL group showed a male predominance (p = 0.04) in the univariate analysis, but it was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Among the patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, the AL group included a higher proportion of patients with comorbid respiratory disease (p = 0.003) and larger tumors (p = 0.007).Comorbid respiratory disease and tumor size were risk factors for AL in obese patients with rectal cancer. Careful perioperative respiratory management and appropriate selection of surgical procedures are required for obese rectal cancer patients with respiratory diseases.Methods: We aimed to analyze the risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) after low anterior resection (LAR) in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) with rectal cancer.Data were collected from four hundred two obese patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer in 51 institutions.Forty-six (11.4%) patients had clinical AL. The median BMI (27 kg/m2) did not differ between the AL and non-AL groups. In the AL group, comorbid respiratory disease was more common (p = 0.025), and the median tumor size was larger (p = 0.002). The incidence of AL was 11.5% in the open surgery subgroup and 11.4% in the laparoscopic surgery subgroup. Among the patients who underwent open surgery, the AL group showed a male predominance (p = 0.04) in the univariate analysis, but it was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Among the patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, the AL group included a higher proportion of patients with comorbid respiratory disease (p = 0.003) and larger tumors (p = 0.007).Comorbid respiratory disease and tumor size were risk factors for AL in obese patients with rectal cancer. Careful perioperative respiratory management and appropriate selection of surgical procedures are required for obese rectal cancer patients with respiratory diseases.Results: We aimed to analyze the risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) after low anterior resection (LAR) in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) with rectal cancer.Data were collected from four hundred two obese patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer in 51 institutions.Forty-six (11.4%) patients had clinical AL. The median BMI (27 kg/m2) did not differ between the AL and non-AL groups. In the AL group, comorbid respiratory disease was more common (p = 0.025), and the median tumor size was larger (p = 0.002). The incidence of AL was 11.5% in the open surgery subgroup and 11.4% in the laparoscopic surgery subgroup. Among the patients who underwent open surgery, the AL group showed a male predominance (p = 0.04) in the univariate analysis, but it was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Among the patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, the AL group included a higher proportion of patients with comorbid respiratory disease (p = 0.003) and larger tumors (p = 0.007).Comorbid respiratory disease and tumor size were risk factors for AL in obese patients with rectal cancer. Careful perioperative respiratory management and appropriate selection of surgical procedures are required for obese rectal cancer patients with respiratory diseases.Conclusion: We aimed to analyze the risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) after low anterior resection (LAR) in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) with rectal cancer.Data were collected from four hundred two obese patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer in 51 institutions.Forty-six (11.4%) patients had clinical AL. The median BMI (27 kg/m2) did not differ between the AL and non-AL groups. In the AL group, comorbid respiratory disease was more common (p = 0.025), and the median tumor size was larger (p = 0.002). The incidence of AL was 11.5% in the open surgery subgroup and 11.4% in the laparoscopic surgery subgroup. Among the patients who underwent open surgery, the AL group showed a male predominance (p = 0.04) in the univariate analysis, but it was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Among the patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, the AL group included a higher proportion of patients with comorbid respiratory disease (p = 0.003) and larger tumors (p = 0.007).Comorbid respiratory disease and tumor size were risk factors for AL in obese patients with rectal cancer. Careful perioperative respiratory management and appropriate selection of surgical procedures are required for obese rectal cancer patients with respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The left gastric artery (LGA) is commonly severed when the gastric tube is made for esophageal reconstruction. Sacrifice of the LGA can cause liver ischemic necrosis in patients with an aberrant left hepatic artery (ALHA) arising from the LGA. We experienced a case of life-threatening hepatic abscess after severing the ALHA. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of severing the ALHA.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 176 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. They were classified into the ALHA (N = 16, 9.1%) and non-ALHA (N = 160, 90.9%) groups. Univariate analysis was performed to compare the clinicopathological variables. Long-term survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method in matched pair case-control analysis.Results: The postoperative morbidities were not statistically different between the two groups, although serum alanine aminotransferase levels on postoperative days 1 and 3 were significantly higher in the ALHA group (36 IU/L, 14-515; 32 IU/L, 13-295) than in the non-ALHA group (24 IU/L, 8-163; 19 IU/L, 6-180), respectively (p = 0.0055; p = 0.0073). Overall survival was not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.26).Conclusions: Severe hepatic abscess occurred in 6.3% of the patients with the ALHA after esophagectomy, even though the results presented here found no statistical differences in morbidity or mortality with or without the ALHA. Surgeons should probably attempt to preserve the ALHA especially in patients with altered liver function while making a gastric tube for esophageal reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although jellyfish are important predators of fish larvae, many fish species also feed on jellyfish. Therefore, the predator-prey role of jellyfish and fish may switch during the course of their life histories. Here, we investigated such interactions by examining (1) the avoidance behaviour of threadsail filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer to moon jellyfish Aurelia sp. and (2) the feeding behaviour of filefish on moon jellyfish medusae and polyps. The efficiency of filefish as jellyfish predators was examined by comparing their behaviour with that of black scraper Thamnaconus modestus and red sea bream Pagrus major. Filefish and black scraper were able to avoid medusae and obtain tolerance against nematocysts at a smaller body size compared to red sea bream. Filefish initiated feeding on medusae when they became juveniles of 21.8 mm SL. Feeding trials of yearling filefish on polyps at different temperatures (range 10-30°C) indicated that the highest feeding rate was 3.1 individuals s at 26.8°C. We suggest that the feeding pressure of filefish on jellyfish polyps may have an impact on medusa biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic palliative resection in patients with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer. Methods: We reviewed 100 patients with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer who underwent palliative resection of the primary tumor between 2002 and 2009 at National Cancer Center Hospital East (NCCHE). Outcomes and postoperative course were compared between patients who underwent open and laparoscopic surgery. Results: Of the 100 patients, 22 were treated with a laparoscopic procedure and 78 underwent an open surgical procedure. There was no difference in the preoperative characteristics of the two groups. In the laparoscopic group, the mean operation time was significantly longer (177 vs. 148 min, p = 0.007) and the amount of blood loss was significantly lower (166 vs. 361 ml, p = 0.002). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (22.7 %) after laparoscopic surgery and in 21 patients (26.9 %) after open surgery, with no significant difference between the two groups. Time to flatus, time to start of food intake, and hospital stay were all shorter after laparoscopic surgery (3.0 vs. 3.8 days, p = 0.003; 3.6 vs. 5.0 days, p < 0.001; and 12.0 vs. 15.0 days, p = 0.005; respectively). Significantly more patients in the laparoscopic group had >15 % lymphocytes on postoperative day 7 ( p = 0.049). Overall survival rates were 73.7 and 75.5 % at 1 year after laparoscopic surgery and open surgery, respectively ( p = 0.344). Conclusions: A laparoscopic procedure should be considered for palliative resection of the primary tumor for incurable stage IV colorectal cancer, because the results of this study indicate that the procedure is safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnosis, epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment of chylous ascites after colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: Among 907 patients who underwent colorectal cancer resection at our institution between 2006 and 2009, chylous ascites developed in 9. We analyzed the clinical data for these 9 patients. Results: Five of the nine patients with chylous ascites had undergone right hemicolectomy and seven had undergone D3 lymph node dissection. In all patients, chylous ascites began to develop the day after commencement of oral intake or the next day. Two patients had no change in diet, one was started on a high-protein and low-fat diet, and six were put on intestinal fasting. Drainage tubes were removed within 5 days after treatment in seven patients. The hospital stay was about 2 weeks after surgery and 1 week after treatment. We found that the tumor area, tumors fed by the superior mesenteric artery, and D3 lymph node dissection were significantly associated with chylous ascites. Conclusions: Chylous ascites after colorectal cancer surgery occurred at an incidence of 1.0%, but was significantly more frequent after surgery for tumors fed by the superior mesenteric artery and after D3 lymph node dissection. Conservative treatment was effective in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer is administered to improve local control, but can also induce severe anal dysfunction after surgery, while preoperative chemotherapy that significantly reduces the primary lesion in rectal cancer has recently been developed. The aim of the study was to examine differences in the effects of preoperative CRT and chemotherapy on tissue degeneration of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: The subjects were 91 patients, including 68 with rectal cancer who underwent internal sphincteric resection with ( n = 47, CRT group) or without ( n = 21, control group) preoperative CRT, and 23 with colorectal cancer who received preoperative FOLFOX treatment. Peripheral nerve degeneration was evaluated histopathologically using H&E-stained sections, based on karyopyknosis, disparity of the nucleus, denucleation, vacuolar or acidophilic degeneration of the cytoplasm, and adventitial neuronal changes. Results: The incidence of neural degeneration was significantly higher in the CRT group than in the control group and FOLFOX group. There were no differences in any items of neural degeneration between the FOLFOX and control groups. Conclusion: CRT induced marked neural degeneration around the rectal tumor. FOLFOX treatment produced mild neural degeneration similar to that in the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal surgical strategy for resectable, synchronous, colorectal liver metastases remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine which patients could benefit from staged resections instead of simultaneous resection by identifying predictive factors for postoperative morbidity and anastomotic leakage after simultaneous resection of synchronous, colorectal liver metastases and the primary colorectal tumor.Methods: This study involved 86 patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases who underwent simultaneous resection of the primary colorectal tumor and the hepatic tumor. Postoperative mortality, morbidity, and other surgical outcomes, including survival and hospitalization, were assessed. Predictive factors for postoperative morbidity and for anastomotic leakage were evaluated.Results: Postoperative morbidity and anastomotic leakage were found in 55 (64%) and 18 (21%) patients. Predictive factors for postoperative morbidity and for anastomotic leakage were intraoperative blood loss and operation time >8 h, respectively. The overall 5-year survival rate was 45%.Conclusions: The frequency of morbidity and that of anastomotic leakage seemed to be high after simultaneous resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases, especially when intraoperative blood loss or operation time increased greatly. Staged resections should be considered in cases in which excessive surgical stress from simultaneous resection of synchronous colorectal liver metastases would be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study of the in-plane magnetotransport properties of spin valves with one and two Fe3O4 electrodes is presented. Fe3O4/Au/Fe3O4 spin valves exhibit a clear anisotropic magnetoresistance in small magnetic fields but no giant magnetoresistance (GMR). The absence of GMR in these structures is due to simultaneous magnetization reversal in the two Fe3O4 layers. By contrast, a negative GMR effect is measured on Fe3O4/Au/Fe spin valves. The negative GMR is attributed to an electron spin scattering asymmetry at the Fe3O4/Au interface or an induced spin scattering asymmetry in the Au interfacial layers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Kawakawa tuna (Euthynnus affinis) is a novel target species for aquaculture in Japan and currently there is very limited knowledge on its early ontogenetic development in captivity. The ontogeny of E. affinis larvae from hatching to 20 days after hatching (DAH) was illustrated in the present study through an integrated approach of histology, biochemistry and molecular approaches. Larvae were fed enriched L-type rotifer Brachionus plicatilis species complex from 2 to 10 DAH, followed by enriched Artemia nauplii. Target digestive enzymes; trypsin, pepsin, lipase and amylase were assessed in order to evaluate nutritional condition. The larvae began exogenous feeding from 2 DAH, coinciding with the opening of the oral capacity and anus. The yolk sac was rapidly consumed and completely resorbed at 3 DAH, while the oil globule disappeared by 5 DAH. Enzymatic activity and expression of the target enzymes were detectable at hatching, except pepsin. With the development of the gastric glands, pepsin activity was then detected at 10 DAH, which was followed by rapid increase in pepsin activity at 15 DAH. The larvae showed rapid growth, however, high mortality also occurred at 6–10 DAH which has been highlighted as a critical stage in the larviculture of E. affinis. From 15 to 20 DAH, the histological structures of the digestive tract were completely segmented with the digestive tract resembling that of its juvenile stages. The activity of trypsin, pepsin, and lipase tended to increase sharply, while amylase dramatically dropped, possibly indicating a change in dietary preference. Findings from the present study provides a preliminary insight into the early development of the digestive system and associated digestive enzymes of E. affinis larvae and establishes an initial step towards the rearing and feeding protocol optimization of this novel target species. • The ontogeny of E. affinis larvae was described through an integrative approach. • The mouth and anus opened at 2 DAH coinciding with the first exogenous feeding. • Trypsin, lipase and amylase detected at hatching, however pepsin was only detected at 10 DAH upon development of the gastric glands. • Rapid growth but associated with high incidence of skeletal deformities • Critical stage of larviculture from 6 to 10 DAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]