The inguinal lymph nodes as regional lymph nodes in anal canal adenocarcinomas: a nationwide database analysis in Japan.

PURPOSE: To establish if it is appropriate to treat the inguinal lymph node (LN) of anal canal adenocarcinoma (ACA) as the intermediate LN according to the Japanese classification. METHODS: The characteristics of 346 ACA patients were examined from the nationwide registry. The effect of LN dissection was evaluated using the therapeutic value index (TVI). Furthermore, the prognostic classification ability of N factors and stage was evaluated using Akaike's information criterion (AIC), the concordance index (C-index), and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate. RESULTS: The rate of metastasis of the inguinal LN was 7.5% and the TVI was 3.05. Evaluation using AIC and the C-index showed better results when the inguinal LN was treated as the intermediate LN. The 5-year OS rate for 66 patients with perirectal or intermediate LN metastasis, 7 with inguinal LN metastasis, and 13 with inguinal and perirectal or intermediate LN metastasis were 49.2%, 68.6%, and 47.6%, respectively. When inguinal LN metastases were treated as N3, the 5-year OS rates were 66.7% for those with T1N3 and T2N3 disease, and 49.2% for those with T3N3 disease. CONCLUSIONS: The inguinal LN of ACA was evaluated and staged as the intermediate LN to devise an appropriate treatment strategy.

Characteristics of anal canal squamous cell carcinoma as an HPV-associated cancer in Japan.

The definition of the anal canal was revised in the TNM classification (8th edition). The Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) conducted a retrospective multi-institutional study to clarify the characteristics of anal canal cancer (ACC) in Japan. The diagnoses of 1781 patients treated for ACC were squamous cell carcimoma (SCC; n = 428; 24.0%), adenosquamous cell carcinoma (n = 7; 0.4%), and adenocarcinoma (n = 1260; 70.7%). Anal carcinoma is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and is risk factor for anal SCC. Among 40 cases analyzed at Takano Hospital and 47 cases analyzed at National Cancer Center Hospital, 34 cases (85.0%) and 40 cases (85.1%), respectively were infected with HPV; HPV-16 was the most common genotype (79.4% and 82.5%). In the JSCCR retrospective multi-institutional study, the prognosis analysis by stage was performed for anal SCC cases (202 cases treated by CRT and 91 cases treated by surgery). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates by stage did not differ between the two treatment groups to a statistically significant extent. Regarding the results of cancer treatment of patients who underwent HPV infection tests, although the 5-year OS rates by stage did not differ to a statistically significant extent due to the small number of cases, HPV-positive patients had better survival. While an HPV vaccine for anal canal SCC has already been approved internationally, HPV vaccination has already been implemented in Japan as a national immunization program for young women but not for men at present. An HPV vaccination for men is urgently needed.

Correction to: Long-term results of intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer in Japan.

In the original publication Fig. 2 and Table 4 were incorrectly published. The corrected figure and table are given in this Correction.

Long-term results of intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer in Japan.

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is the ultimate sphincter-preserving procedure for low rectal cancer. A questionnaire about the standardization of ISR was given to 2125 patients who underwent curative ISR for low rectal cancer between 2005 and 2012 at 127 affiliated institutions of the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR), and the results were compared with the results of a systematic review. The findings revealed that although mortality and morbidity were relatively low and the survival rate after ISR was good, the rates of local recurrence and postoperative fecal incontinence were relatively high. The radicality of ISR was compared with that of abdominoperineal resection and low anterior resection using the propensity score matching prognosis analysis of patients in the JSCCR nationwide registry. The local recurrence rate was significantly higher after ISR, and especially high in patients with T3 (invasion into the external anal sphincter) and T4 disease. These results provide evidence about the factors related to fecal incontinence after ISR. As measures for the standardization of ISR, it is important to reconfirm that ISR is not indicated for patients with cT3 and cT4 disease and those with poor preoperative defecatory function, based on the ISR indication criteria.

The translation and validation of the Japanese version of the patient assessment of constipation quality of life scale.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the patient assessment of constipation quality of life scale (PAC-QOL) in the Japanese language. METHODS: The PAC-QOL was translated into Japanese. After being linguistically validated, the Japanese version of the PAC-QOL was administered to a sample of 121 patients. Validation studies were conducted to evaluate the internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha), reproducibility [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs)], the convergent validity (correlated with the Short-Forum 36 Health Survey), the discriminant validity [correlated with the constipation scoring system (CSS)], the cross-sectional validity (analysis of variance models), and responsiveness (effect size) of the PAC-QOL scales. RESULTS: The internal consistency was good for all of the scales (Cronbach's alpha coefficient >0.7) and reproducible (ICCs >0.7). The four scales of the PAC-QOL were significantly correlated with the Short-Forum 36 Health Survey (P < 0.01 except for the satisfaction subscale) and the CSS scores (P < 0.01 except for the satisfaction subscale). The PAC-QOL scale scores were significantly associated with constipation severity (P < 0.05). The effect size in patients reporting improvements in constipation over the treatment period was moderate to large, with a subscale effect size ranging from 0.69 to 1.18 and an overall scale effect size of 1.12. Similar findings were observed in the original validation study. CONCLUSIONS: The linguistic and psychometric evaluation demonstrated the validity of the Japanese version of the PAC-QOL.

Lubiprostone increases spontaneous bowel movement frequency and quality of life in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Lubiprostone is an activator of the type 2 chloride channel that facilitates spontaneous bowel movement (SBM). We performed phase 3 studies to determine whether lubiprostone increases the frequency of SBM in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in Japan, and whether long-term administration of lubiprostone increases the quality of life of patients with CIC. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial of lubiprostone. Patients with CIC (n = 124) were assigned randomly to groups given placebo (n = 62) or lubiprostone (48 µg/day; n = 62) for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in the weekly average number of SBMs after 1 week of administration. In a long-term study of efficacy and safety, 209 patients with CIC were given lubiprostone (24 µg twice daily) for 48 weeks. RESULTS: Daily administration of lubiprostone induced a significantly greater change, from baseline, in the weekly average number of SBMs at week 1 (increase of 3.7 ± 2.8), compared with placebo (increase of 1.3 ± 1.8; P < .001). The frequency of SBMs during each week of the study period was significantly higher after subjects began receiving lubiprostone than at baseline (P < .0001 at all weeks). Long-term administration of lubiprostone significantly increased scores from the Short-Form health survey and irritable bowel syndrome quality-of-life questionnaire, compared with baseline. We did not observe any severe adverse reactions to lubiprostone. CONCLUSIONS: In phase 3 studies in Japan, lubiprostone increased the weekly average number of SBMs and increased the quality of life of patients with CIC. Clinical Trial Notification of the Japanese Regulatory Authorities: 20-3296 and 20-3300.

Translation and validation of the Japanese version of the fecal incontinence quality of life scale.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the fecal incontinence quality of life scale (FIQL) in the Japanese language using rigorous methodologies. METHODS: The FIQL was translated into Japanese. After being linguistically validated, the Japanese version of the FIQL was administered to a sample of 119 patients who completed the questionnaire at baseline and again after 2 weeks. The patients filled out a general questionnaire regarding health (the Short-Forum 36 Health Survey), and the severity of incontinence was assessed at baseline (Wexner scale). RESULTS: Internal consistency was good/excellent for all scales (Cronbach's alpha >0.70, between 0.72 and 0.94). Stability over time was good for all scales (Intra-class correlation >0.80, between 0.86 and 0.93). The four scales of the FIQL were significantly correlated with the scales of the generic questionnaire on health (P < 0.0001) and the Wexner scale (P < 0.0001). The mean FIQL score improved significantly after treatment in the 22 patients whose Wexner scale scores decreased >4 points, thus indicating good sensitivity in all four scales and the total scale. CONCLUSIONS: The linguistic and psychometric evaluation demonstrated the validity of the Japanese version of the FIQL.

3D Printed lattice-structured metal electrodes for enhanced current production in bioelectrochemical systems.

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are emerging techniques that use biological production of current for versatile activities, including energy recovery and bioremediation. The development of high-performance three-dimensional (3D) electrodes has attracted attention for facilitating current production in BESs. Carbon-based electrodes have been commonly used in BESs, but metal electrodes are not generally employed because of their low biocompatibility with microbes. In this study, 3D stainless-steel electrodes, composed of octahedral lattice, were fabricated using the 3D printing technique. Heat treatment was conducted to form an iron-oxide layer on the electrode surface for increasing biocompatibility. Another crucial parameter that determines current production is the pitch length of a lattice electrode as it affects the surface area and substrate diffusion. The pitch length was optimized by testing the lattice electrodes with pitches ranging from 1.5 mm to 6.0 mm. The highest current, obtained with the 3.0 mm-pitch electrode, was 50% higher than that obtained with common 3D carbon-felt electrodes. These results demonstrate the usefulness of 3D lattice-structured metal electrodes in BESs.

A Retrospective Critique of the Various Sphincter-preserving Surgical Procedures for Ischiorectal Fistula.

In the 1950s, the cause of anal fistulas was identified as an infection of the anal gland (cryptoglandular infection theory). Thereafter, treatment for this disorder began in the 1960s with the lay-open procedure, which involved incising the sphincter and the fistula tract. However, it was found that too much invasion into the sphincter could result in postoperative fecal incontinence. Thus, to reduce such risk, sphincter-preserving surgery was applied for superficial anal fistula in 1961 and for deep anal fistula (ischiorectal fistula) in 1965. Over the years, more effective sphincter-preserving procedures for ischiorectal fistula have been developed to improve the quality of life of the patient. In this review article, we aim to first introduce the basic surgical techniques for ischiorectal fistula. We will discuss the anatomy of the anus and the pathogenesis of ischiorectal fistula and will provide some diagnostic methods. Representative sphincter-preserving procedures that have been performed for ischiorectal fistula since 1965 will also be categorized and outlined chronologically. The discussion will look at the following techniques for ischiorectal fistula and outline the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure so that they can be used as a reference for ischiorectal fistula surgery in the future: the lay-open procedure (fistulotomy and fistulectomy), the Hanley procedure (first partial sphincter-preserving procedure), the muscle-filling procedure, the Moriya method and Ui method (modified partial sphincter-preserving procedure), the Takano method and the sphincter-preserving lateral procedure (complete sphincter-preserving procedure), the seton method (a cross between the lay-open procedure and sphincter-preserving procedure), and the overseas sphincter-preserving procedure.

Japan ablation registry: cryoablation in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia ("JARCANRET study"): results from large multicenter retrospective investigation.

PURPOSE: Cryoenergy has been demonstrated to be a safe alternative to radiofrequency ablation for catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cryoablation in patients with AVNRT. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was performed. Two hundred eighty-three consecutive patients with AVNRT underwent cryoablation. Cryomapping at - 30 °C and - 80 °C was performed to predict cryoablation outcome and ascertain antegrade conduction. Cryoenergy was delivered subsequently at the same spot (cryoablation at - 80 °C) for 240 s. RESULTS: Ablation procedure was acutely successful in 281 out of 283 patients (99.3%). Of note, 22 patients (10.1%) had transient AV block during the cryoablation, but no injurious effects on AV conduction were provoked during cryomapping. During a follow-up period of 367 ± 35 days, the recurrence rate was 3.9% (11 out of 281). There were no significant differences among the patients with a complete elimination of slow pathway conduction, AH jump without an echo beat, and AH jump with a single echo beat, in terms of the long-term recurrence of AVNRT. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation of AVNRT appears to be effective both acutely and during the long-term with a minimal risk of unwanted injuries to the conduction system. It seems to be important to monitor the antegrade conduction during cryoenergy applications, even when cryomapping demonstrates a safe location for cryoablation. The recurrence rate of AVNRT did not differ according to the properties of the residual slow pathway conduction.

Long-term results of intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Intersphincteric resection has been performed as an alternative to abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term results after intersphincteric resection in terms of the morbidity, oncologic safety, and defecatory function. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2006, 107 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer had curative intersphincteric resection, categorized as total, subtotal, or partial resection of the internal anal sphincter. RESULTS: There were no mortalities. Neorectal mucosal prolapse in patients with total intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomotic stenosis in patients with subtotal or partial intersphincteric resection were observed as characteristic late complications. The five-year disease-free survival rates classified according to the TNM stage were 100 percent for stage I, 83.5 percent for stage II, and 72.0 percent for stage III cases. The five-year cumulative local recurrence rate after intersphincteric resection was 2.5 percent. Defecatory function, which was evaluated by bowel movement in a 24-hour period, and continence after intersphincteric resection were objectively good. The results of the multivariate analysis revealed that age was the only factor associated with a risk of fecal incontinence. CONCLUSION: Provided strict selection criteria are used, intersphincteric resection may be the optimal sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer.

Relation between obesity and adenomatous polyps of the large bowel.

BACKGROUND: We compared the prevalence of colorectal adenoma (polyps) in men and women and examined the role of body mass index (BMI) on polyp risk according to patient age and gender. METHODS: The risk of developing colorectal polyps was studied in 15 380 subjects (7155 men and 8225 women) who underwent colonoscopy for the first time from April 1998 to March 2006 at our 'Human Dry Dock', which is the check-up service provided in Japan. Eligible subjects were 20-86 years old (mean age +/- SD, 47.3 +/- 8.5) and were free of invasive cancer, hyperplastic polyps and familial polyposis. Polyps were found in 1590 subjects (1062 men and 528 women). The odds ratio (OR) of detection of polyps in relation to obesity was determined in all cases by multivariate logistic regression analysis after making an adjustment for gender and age. RESULTS: The OR of polyp detection in obese subjects (BMI >or= 25) versus non-obese subjects (BMI < 25, OR = 1) was 1.34 (P < 0.001) in men and 1.13 (P = 0.26) in women. As the BMI increased in increments of one, the OR in men increased significantly to 1.01 (P < 0.001), whereas the OR in women was unchanged at 1.00 (P = 0.23), which was without significance. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that obesity in men is a risk factor for the development of polyps. These results must be confirmed by additional epidemiological studies.

Aripiprazole-induced sleep-related eating disorder: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sleep-related eating disorder is characterized by parasomnia with recurrent episodes of nocturnal eating or drinking during the main sleep period. Several drugs, including atypical antipsychotics, induce sleep-related eating disorder. However, aripiprazole has not previously been associated with sleep-related eating disorder. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old Japanese man visited our clinic complaining of depression. The patient was treated with sertraline, which was titrated up to 100 mg for 4 weeks. A sleep inducer and an anxiolytic were coadministered. His depressive mood slightly improved, but it continued for an additional 4 months. Subsequently, aripiprazole (3 mg) was added as an adjunctive therapy. After 3 weeks, the patient's mother found that the patient woke up and ate food at night. The next morning, the patient was amnesic for this event, felt full, and wondered why the bags of food were empty. This episode lasted for 2 days. The patient gained 5 kg during these 3 weeks. After the aripiprazole dose was reduced to 1.5 mg, the patient's nocturnal eating episodes rapidly and completely disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is first report of sleep-related eating disorder induced by aripiprazole, and it indicates that this disorder should be considered a possible side effect of aripiprazole. Although aripiprazole is used mainly in patients with schizophrenia, its recently documented use as an adjunctive therapy in patients with depression might induce hitherto unknown side effects.

Hong Kong consumer preferences for Japanese beef: Label knowledge and reference point effects.

The excellent flavor of Wagyu is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. However, the popularity of Wagyu has encouraged competition for authentic Japanese Wagyu, resulting in the appearance of inauthentic Wagyu beef. To ward off this export competition, Japanese Wagyu producers need to improve and differentiate their value-added beef. As hardly any past studies focus on the consumption of Japanese Wagyu in Hong Kong, this paper uses a choice experiment to examine the valuation of beef by Hong Kong consumers in terms of country of origin. Data from 250 Hong Kong consumers obtained through a web questionnaire were used to analyze the beef preferences. In addition to the beef's country of origin, its marbling level, the Japanese Wagyu label and reference point effects were considered. The results indicate that Hong Kong consumers place a significant premium on Japanese Wagyu over Australian or American Wagyu. That premium is greater among consumers who have seen the Japanese Wagyu label. Reference price effects were also statistically confirmed. To promote Japanese Wagyu beef consumption, therefore, it is important to make the consumer aware of the advantages of Japanese Wagyu.

Prognostic significance of tumor necrosis factor receptor in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The expression pattern and prognostic impact of tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 (TNFR1) in colorectal cancers are not known. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical evaluation of TNFR1, Ki-67 and apoptosis was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from 56 curatively-resected Dukes' stage C-colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (66%) cases had a high expression and 19 (34%) cases had a low expression of TNFR1. Expression of TNFR1 had no significant correlation with any of the clinicopathological factors studied except tumor differentiation status. Patients with a high TNFR1 expression had a significantly better disease-specific survival rate than those with a low TNFR1 expression (77.8% vs. 60.3%, respectively, p = 0.0159, log-rank test). Also in the multivariate analysis, TNFR1 expression was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: A high TNFR1 expression in Dukes' stage C colorectal cancer could be a favorable indicator of prognosis.

Graciloplasty for internal and external sphincteric resection of lower rectal cancer.

Anal sphincteric resection for rectal cancer is most commonly followed by colostomy in the lower abdominal wall, which enforces quite a poor quality of life due to a permanent stoma. For surgeons treating lower rectal cancer, the goal is to achieve defecation via the anus without placing a stoma. Internal sphincteric resection, partial external sphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis have been reported for the treatment of lower rectal cancer with avoiding a colostoma. Extended resection of the external sphincter, however, limits patient's daily activities because of poor functional results and necessitates reconstruction of damaged anal function. This paper describes a case of graciloplasty for postoperative anal dysfunction that yielded a good clinical outcome in a 65-year-old female who had undergone very low anterior resection with complete internal and partial external sphincteric resection for lower rectal cancer.

Laser ion acceleration toward future ion beam cancer therapy - Numerical simulation study -.

BACKGROUND: Ion beam has been used in cancer treatment, and has a unique preferable feature to deposit its main energy inside a human body so that cancer cell could be killed by the ion beam. However, conventional ion accelerator tends to be huge in its size and its cost. In this paper a future intense-laser ion accelerator is proposed to make the ion accelerator compact. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An intense femtosecond pulsed laser was employed to accelerate ions. The issues in the laser ion accelerator include the energy efficiency from the laser to the ions, the ion beam collimation, the ion energy spectrum control, the ion beam bunching and the ion particle energy control. In the study particle computer simulations were performed to solve the issues, and each component was designed to control the ion beam quality. RESULTS: When an intense laser illuminates a target, electrons in the target are accelerated and leave from the target; temporarily a strong electric field is formed between the high-energy electrons and the target ions, and the target ions are accelerated. The energy efficiency from the laser to ions was improved by using a solid target with a fine sub-wavelength structure or by a near-critical density gas plasma. The ion beam collimation was realized by holes behind the solid target. The control of the ion energy spectrum and the ion particle energy, and the ion beam bunching were successfully realized by a multi-stage laser-target interaction. CONCLUSIONS: The present study proposed a novel concept for a future compact laser ion accelerator, based on each component study required to control the ion beam quality and parameters.

Successful treatment with clonazepam and pramipexole of a patient with sleep-related eating disorder associated with restless legs syndrome: a case report.

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of involuntary eating during sleep period and is often associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Although pharmacotherapy is recommended for SRED patients, no drug have shown promising effects so far. The patient, a 48-year-old Japanese housewife, first visited our clinic and complained about nighttime eating. She had a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea syndrome, and depression. Insomnia appeared 10 years before the first visit and she often received hypnosedatives; at the same time, she developed nocturnal eating episodes. She had amnesia for these episodes, and she felt urge to move her legs while sleeping. The patient was diagnosed with SRED and RLS. Reduction in the doses of triazolam decreased her nighttime eating frequency, and her complete amnesia changed to vague recall of eating during night. Clonazepam 1.0 mg at bedtime decreased nocturnal eating frequency from 1 to 2 times per month, though sleepwalking remained. Administration of pramipexole 0.125 mg relieved all symptoms including SRED, RLS, and sleepwalking. This is the first paper to report that the combination of clonazepam and pramipexole therapy-reduced SRED episodes and RLS symptoms.