Ex Vivo Partial Nephrectomy and Autotransplantation for Complex and Multifocal Renal Cell Carcinoma at a Single Institution: A Case Series.

Renal autotransplantation is a rare surgical procedure designed to preserve renal function in patients with complex urinary system diseases or highly complex renal tumors. Between 2012 and 2023, four patients underwent ex vivo partial nephrectomy (PN) and autotransplantation for complex renal tumors at our hospital. Two patients had bilateral multifocal renal tumors, including von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease and hybrid oncocytic chromophobe tumor (HOCT). The remaining two patients had highly complex renal tumors with Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score of 12, one of whom had a solitary kidney. None of the patients experienced any postoperative surgical complications. Pathologically, nine of the excised tumors had negative surgical margins, except for one of the four tumors on HOCT. Postoperative renal function decreased at one month compared to preoperative renal function (P = 0.01); however, there was no significant difference at three months (P = 0.07). None of the patients had a local recurrence or metastasis at the latest follow-up.Ex vivo PN and autotransplantation are feasible and reasonable treatment methods for highly complex and multifocal renal tumors regarding safety, local tumor control, and preservation of renal function.

Proximal Supination Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus: Comparison of Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes for the Most Severe Deformities.

BACKGROUND: There is little available information regarding the difference in outcomes between severe hallux valgus (S-HV), defined as 40 degrees ≤ hallux valgus angle (HVA) < 50 degrees, and what we consider to be "super-severe HV" (SS-HV), defined as >50 degrees, following a proximal metatarsal osteotomy. We aimed to retrospectively compare the outcomes of a proximal metatarsal osteotomy in S- and SS-HV. METHODS: The series consisted of 57 female patients (57 feet) treated with a proximal supination osteotomy for symptomatic S- and SS-HV (33 and 24 feet, respectively). The outcome measures included radiographic parameters and for 45 patients included the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) score, and a visual analog scale pain score (VAS-PS) preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of 12 months with a median of 26 months. No significant differences were found in age, body mass index, and the duration of follow-up between patients with S-HV and SS-HV (P > .10 for all comparisons) with the numbers available. RESULTS: Preoperative HVA in patients with S- and SS-HV was significantly improved at the final follow-up (P < .0001 for both comparisons). No significant differences in postoperative HVA and IMA were observed between patients with S- and SS-HV (P = .51 and .50, respectively). All 5 preoperative subscale scores of SAFE-Q in patients with S- and SS-HV significantly improved postoperatively (P < .01 for all comparisons). Preoperative VAS-PS in patients with S- and SS-HV significantly improved postoperatively (P < .0001 and <.009, respectively). There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative scores of all the SAFE-Q subscales and VAS-PS between patients with S-HV and SS-HV (P > .10 for all) with the numbers available. CONCLUSION: We found for this patient group that a proximal supination osteotomy can achieve a large correction for SS-HV as well as S-HV and significantly improve radiologic and clinical outcomes in SS-HV. The outcomes between patients with S- and SS-HV were not different in this series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

COVID-19 severity is associated with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: The association between the severity of COVID-19 and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether the severity of COVID-19 is a risk factor for GI bleeding. DESIGN: A multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted on hospitalised patients with COVID-19 between January 2020 and December 2021. The severity of COVID-19 was classified according to the National Institute of Health severity classification. The primary outcome was the occurrence of GI bleeding during hospitalisation. The main analysis compared the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and the occurrence of GI bleeding. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the severity of COVID-19 and the occurrence of GI bleeding. RESULTS: 12 044 patients were included. 4165 (34.6%) and 1257 (10.4%) patients had severe and critical COVID-19, respectively, and 55 (0.5%) experienced GI bleeding. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with severe COVID-19 had a significantly higher risk of GI bleeding than patients with non-severe COVID-19 (OR: 3.013, 95% CI: 1.222 to 7.427). Patients with critical COVID-19 also had a significantly higher risk of GI bleeding (OR: 15.632, 95% CI: 6.581 to 37.130). Patients with severe COVID-19 had a significantly increased risk of lower GI bleeding (OR: 10.349, 95% CI: 1.253 to 85.463), but the risk of upper GI bleeding was unchanged (OR: 1.875, 95% CI: 0.658 to 5.342). CONCLUSION: The severity of COVID-19 is associated with GI bleeding, and especially lower GI bleeding was associated with the severity of COVID-19. Patients with severe or critical COVID-19 should be treated with caution as they are at higher risk for GI bleeding.

Establishing a Sequencing Method for the Whole Mitochondrial DNA of Domestic Dogs.

In human beings, whole mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing has been widely used in many research fields, including medicine, forensics, and genetics. With respect to the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), which is commonly recognized as being an additional member of the traditional human family structure, research studies on mtDNA should be developed to expand and improve our collective knowledge of dog medicine and welfare as it seems that there is still room for further development in these areas. Moreover, a simple and robust method for sequencing whole mtDNA that can be applied to various dog breeds has not yet been described in the literature. In the present study, we aim to establish such a method for the whole mtDNA sequencing of the domestic dog. In the experiments we conducted, oral mucosa DNA samples obtained from six Japanese domestic dogs were used as a template. We designed four primer pairs that could amplify approximately 5 kbp from each region of the mtDNA and validated several PCR conditions. Subsequently, the PCR amplicons were pooled and subjected to library preparation. The sequencing of the libraries was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), followed by bioinformatics analysis. Our results demonstrate that the proposed method can be used to perform highly accurate resequencing. We believe that this method may be useful for future research conducted to better understand dog medicine and welfare.

Overcoming the Interobserver Variability in Lung Adenocarcinoma Subtyping: A Clustering Approach to Establish a Ground Truth for Downstream Applications.

CONTEXT.­: The accurate identification of different lung adenocarcinoma histologic subtypes is important for determining prognosis but can be challenging because of overlaps in the diagnostic features, leading to considerable interobserver variability. OBJECTIVE.­: To provide an overview of the diagnostic agreement for lung adenocarcinoma subtypes among pathologists and to create a ground truth using the clustering approach for downstream computational applications. DESIGN.­: Three sets of lung adenocarcinoma histologic images with different evaluation levels (small patches, areas with relatively uniform histology, and whole slide images) were reviewed by 17 international expert lung pathologists and 1 pathologist in training. Each image was classified into one or several lung adenocarcinoma subtypes. RESULTS.­: Among the 4702 patches of the first set, 1742 (37%) had an overall consensus among all pathologists. The overall Fleiss κ score for the agreement of all subtypes was 0.58. Using cluster analysis, pathologists were hierarchically grouped into 2 clusters, with κ scores of 0.588 and 0.563 in clusters 1 and 2, respectively. Similar results were obtained for the second and third sets, with fair-to-moderate agreements. Patches from the first 2 sets that obtained the consensus of the 18 pathologists were retrieved to form consensus patches and were regarded as the ground truth of lung adenocarcinoma subtypes. CONCLUSIONS.­: Our observations highlight discrepancies among experts when assessing lung adenocarcinoma subtypes. However, a subsequent number of consensus patches could be retrieved from each cluster, which can be used as ground truth for the downstream computational pathology applications, with minimal influence from interobserver variability.

Implantation of Novel Meniscus Scaffold for Irreparable Meniscal Tear.

Partial meniscectomy, which is generally used for the treatment of meniscal tears, can lead to knee joint osteoarthritis. To prevent this important complication, attempting to restore normal knee joint kinematics and biomechanical forces after partial meniscectomy is essential. Implantation of a meniscal scaffold can be useful in this regard, improving the function of the meniscus on knee joint biomechanics after partial meniscectomy. Use of meniscal scaffolds would have specific clinical merit for young patients who are at highest for developing knee joint osteoarthritis over time. Herein, we describe our novel bioabsorbable meniscal scaffold, fabricated with polyglycolic acid coated with polylactic acid/caprolactone, used after partial meniscectomy for degenerative and irreparable meniscal tears. The method of implantation of the scaffold will have a determinant effect on clinical outcomes. As the implementation technique by arthroscopy will be influenced by the stiffness and strength of the scaffold implant used, we provide a detailed description of our implantation technique, including a description of the pitfalls to consider in order to improve clinical outcomes.

DJ-1 Expression Might Serve as a Biologic Marker in Patients with Bladder Cancer.

The overexpression of DJ-1 protein and its secretion into the bloodstream has been reported in various neoplasms. However, serum levels and the subcellular localization of DJ-1 have not been analyzed in detail in bladder cancer (BC). Our comprehensive analysis of these variables started with the measurement of DJ-1 in serum from 172 patients with BC, 20 patients with urolithiasis and 100 healthy participants. Next, an immunohistochemical study of DJ-1 expression and localization was conducted in 92 patients with BC, and associations with clinicopathologic factors and patient outcomes were evaluated. Serum DJ-1 was significantly higher in patients with BC than in those with urolithiasis or in healthy participants. Immunohistochemically, a cytoplasm-positive (Cy+) and nucleus-negative (N-) DJ-1 pattern was associated with age and pathologic stage. Log-rank tests indicated that the Cy+, N- pattern was significantly associated with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and cancer specific survival (CSS). In addition, the Cy+, N- pattern was an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis adjusted for the effects of the clinicopathologic outcomes. The investigation of DJ-1 expression might help physicians to make decisions regarding further follow-up and additional treatments.

The gut microbiota of non-obese Japanese pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Recent evidence has shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the gut microbiota composition of non-obese women with GDM, which accounts for a relatively large percentage of Asian GDM, is unknown. We investigated the characteristics of gut microbiota of Japanese pregnant women with GDM. Fecal samples from Japanese pregnant women with GDM (n=20) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n=16) were collected at the time of GDM diagnosis (T1), at 35-37 weeks of gestation (T2), and at 4 weeks postpartum (T3). Gut microbiota composition was characterized from fecal DNA by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Serum samples were collected late in the third trimester, and the circulating levels of adiponectin and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. At the genus level, Peptostreptococcaceae Romboutsia was enriched in GDM women at T1 (p=0.008) and T2 (p=0.047). The women with lower serum adiponectin tended to have more Romboutsia. The Shannon index was significantly lower in the GDM women at T3 than in the NGT women (p=0.008), and that of the GDM women decreased significantly from T2 to T3 (p=0.02). No significant difference in bacterial community structure was found in a beta diversity analysis. The non-obese GDM women (body mass index <25.0 kg/m2) showed a lower abundance of Coriobacteriaceae Collinsella at T1 (p=0.03) and higher abundance of Akkermansia at T2 (p=0.04) than the normal control. The non-obese GDM women had the distinctive gut microbiota profiles. Analysis of gut microbiota is potentially useful for risk assessment of GDM in non-obese pregnant women.

Prevalence estimates of Helicobacter species infection in pancreatic and biliary tract cancers.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is a well-established risk factor for gastric cancer and has been linked to other gastrointestinal diseases, including pancreatic and biliary tract cancers; however, the relevance of enterohepatic non-H. pylori helicobacters to the pathophysiology of these diseases remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We estimated the prevalence of two enterohepatic non-H. pylori helicobacters (Helicobacter hepaticus and Helicobacter bilis) in the framework of a hospital-based case-control study involving 121 patients with biliary tract cancer, pancreatic cancer, or other gastrointestinal diseases. Bile and blood samples were collected from the patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The presence of H. bilis, H. hepaticus, and other Helicobacter spp. was examined using bacterial culture, PCR-based detection, and serological tests. RESULTS: Culture of Helicobacter spp. from biliary brush samples was unsuccessful. Approximately 13.0% (15/115) of the bile samples collected from patients with a variety of gastrointestinal cancers, including pancreatic and biliary tract cancers, tested positive for one of the enterohepatic non-H. pylori helicobacter species as determined by PCR. Specifically, H. bilis and H. hepaticus DNA were detected in 11 and 4 bile samples, respectively. Approximately 20%-40% of the patients tested positive for serum non-H. pylori helicobacter IgG antibodies. The seroprevalence of H. bilis and H. hepaticus in the patients without evidence of H. pylori infection appeared to be higher in the pancreatic cancer group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a role for Helicobacter spp., especially H. bilis and H. hepaticus, in the etiology of pancreatic and biliary tract cancers.

Coexisting congenital mid-ureteral stricture and megaureter due to ureterovesical junction obstruction: A case report.

Congenital mid-ureteral strictures (CMS) are rare. Most congenital strictures occur at the ureteropelvic junction or ureterovesical junction, with mid-ureteral strictures accounting for only 4-5% of all cases of ureteral obstruction in children. Furthermore, there are very few reports of coexisting mid-ureteral stricture and ureterovesical junction obstruction (UVJO). Here, we report a case of coexisting UVJO and CMS. CMS was not detected on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, and hydronephrosis remained after ureteroneocystostomy. Therefore, MRI was repeated and CMS was diagnosed, for which we performed ureteroureterostomy. Intraoperative retrograde pyelography (RGP) aids definitive diagnosis of UVJO.

Effects of prophylactic vaginal progesterone administration on mild cervical shortening (TROPICAL study): a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial.

Vaginal progesterone reduces the preterm birth frequency among high-risk women with a cervical length ≤25 mm at midtrimester. However, the strategy may promote no substantial reduction in overall preterm birth rates, because such high-risk women are only approximately 2% of all pregnant women, which restrict the number of participants. Our purpose was to determine whether prophylactic vaginal progesterone administration can preserve cervical length and reduce preterm birth rates among women with mild cervical shortening.This multicenter, parallel-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved vaginal progesterone administration (200 mg daily from 16 to 33 weeks of gestation) among asymptomatic women with a singleton pregnancy and a sonographic cervical length of 25 to <30 mm between 16 and 23 weeks of gestation. The primary and secondary endpoints were cervical shortening rates at 34 weeks of gestation and preterm birth rates, respectively. The trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000013518) in Japan.Between April 2014 and March 2018, 119 women were randomly assigned to the progesterone group (n = 59) and the placebo group (n = 60). No significant differences in the frequency of women with a cervical length ≥20 mm at 34 weeks of gestation were observed between both groups. All preterm births occurred after 34 weeks of gestation, except for one patient in the placebo group. The progesterone group had a lower rate of preterm birth before 37 weeks than the placebo group (3.4% vs. 15.0%, respectively; p < .05).Despite having no effect on preserving cervical length, prophylactic vaginal progesterone administration reduced preterm birth frequency among women with mild cervical shortening. Our results are suggesting that women with mild cervical shortening are at risk for late preterm birth and the need for expanding progesterone treatment indications to include not only high-risk but also low-risk populations.

Detection of Endogenous DNA Double-strand Breaks in Oral Squamous Epithelial Lesions by P53-binding Protein 1.

BACKGROUND/AIM: P53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) is one of the DNA damage response (DDR) molecules. This study aimed to assess 53BP1 expression by immunofluorescence (IF) as a biomarker to differentiate between oral squamous epithelial lesions (OSELs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 129 archival oral biopsy samples, including 18 benign squamous lesions (BSLs), 37 low-grade dysplasias (LGDs), 22 high-grade dysplasias (HGDs), and 52 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). 53BP1 and Ki-67 expressions were examined by double IF to assess the type of 53BP1 expression. RESULTS: We found that OSCC exhibited several 53BP1 nuclear foci, particularly high-DNA damage response (HDDR) and large focus (LF)-type, suggesting the presence of endogenous DNA double-strand breaks in the cancer genome, which could disrupt DDR and induce genomic injury. We also found a difference in 53BP1 expression between LGD and HGD, but not between BSL and LGD. Among the Ki-67-positive cells, HDDR- and LF-type expressions were higher in OSELs of higher grades. CONCLUSION: 53BP1 expression can be a valuable biomarker for OSELs to help estimate the grade of oral epithelial dysplasia.

[Left Ventricular Thrombectomy in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Accompanied by Cerebral Embolism:Report of Two Cases].

Left ventricular thrombus( LVT) formation is a known complication of ischemic heart diseases including acute myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and myocarditis. Among them, few cases involve DCM. Two DCM patients with LVT developed acute cerebral infarction and underwent thrombectomy. Both patients presented with sinus rhythm and neither had previous thromboembolic event. However, their transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed left ventricular ejection fractions<35% and left ventricular diastolic diameters≥60 mm, indicating high possibilities of LVT formation. The TTE findings suggest that DCM patients require anticoagulation therapy and frequent imaging examination, even with sinus rhythm and no history of thromboembolic events. Once a thromboembolic event occurs, thrombectomy is urgently needed.

A successful case of "temporary endoluminal bypass technique" using a guide extension catheter during thrombolysis for acute limb ischemia in the non-stenting zone.

It is still difficult to treat acute limb ischemia (ALI) in the non-stenting zone such as the popliteal artery. We describe a temporary endoluminal bypass technique for ALI in the non-stenting zone using a guide extension catheter. An 83-year-old female was admitted and diagnosed with ALI in her left leg. The angiogram showed a thrombotic obstruction of the left popliteal artery. Aspiration and dilation by angioplasty could not revascularize. Although Fogarty thrombectomy can be applicable, we avoided it because of its risk of complications and performed a temporary endoluminal bypass technique. After evaluating the occluded lesion by intravascular ultrasound, we delivered a guide extension catheter to fully cover it. Because it played the role of an endoluminal bypass, the blood flow to the distal tibial arteries could be confirmed in the angiogram. A thrombolytic drug was administered intra-arterially for the whole day, and the angiogram showed a reduction of the thrombus on postoperative day (POD) 1. On POD 2, the blood flow was maintained without flow limitation even after removing the catheter. Finally, she was discharged without any complications. This technique might be an alternative in cases of failed conventional treatments for ALI although further investigation needs to be undertaken. .

Hypophysitis induced by ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma: A case report.

Ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy is effective against unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, it is associated with many immune-related adverse events, including hypophysitis that is difficult to diagnose early because of non-specific initial symptoms. Herein, we report the case of a 54-year-old man with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who developed hypophysitis after receiving ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy. The initial symptom was headache. However, endocrine tests showed decreased levels of cortisol, free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging revealed pituitary enlargement. Accordingly, we diagnosed hypophysitis and immediately started hydrocortisone replacement therapy, which improved the symptoms.

Analysis of clinical factors and reasons that influence the disposition of cryopreserved embryos in Japanese patients with infertility treated in our clinic.

AIM: To investigate the clinical factors and factors that affect the decisions regarding storage of cryopreserved embryos obtained using assisted reproductive technology. METHODS: Clinical characteristics affecting the decisions regarding cryopreserved embryos were analyzed in 5724 Japanese couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra-cytoplasmic sperm insemination (ICSI) and embryo transfer over 4 years since April 2015 at our clinic. Statistical analysis was carried out using JMP software. RESULTS: The number of oocytes retrievals and embryos stored, outcomes and number of children, and age of the female patients and male partners were related to the decision-making regarding cryopreserved embryos. Childbearing and no wish for another child were the major reasons for discontinuing embryo storage. The number of oocytes retrievals and embryos in storage, age of the female patients, and sex of the child were independently associated with this decision-making in 2682 patients with a single child. Women with male children were more likely to choose discontinuation of embryo storage than those with female children. CONCLUSION: Already having a child and not wishing for further treatment due to age along with the presence of a male child affect the decision to continue or discontinue embryo storage in Japanese patients with infertility.

Successful wound healing of refractory digital ulcer in patient with systemic sclerosis by Waon therapy.

The treatment of digital ulcer (DU) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) has not been established. A 77-year-old female with a refractory DU in SSc on the right foot was transferred to our hospital. Wound healing had not been achieved despite several endovascular treatments (EVT) and minor amputations. We started Waon therapy 5 days per week as an adjunct therapy. She was placed in a far-infrared-ray dry sauna maintained at 45 °C for 15 min, and was subsequently kept to rest with soothing warmth using a blanket for additional 30 min outside the room. Gradually, the wound had become smaller and the skin perfusion pressure (SPP) had increased. The increase of the blood flow to the wound could be observed in the angiogram on day 109. An additional EVT on day 109 also accelerated wound healing. Finally, wound healing was completely achieved without additional amputations on day 173. In this presented case, Waon therapy contributed to increase of the blood flow to the wound, evidenced by SPP value. Waon therapy may serve as an effective adjunct therapy of DU in SSc. .

Caesarean Section of Multifetal Pregnancy.

Planned caesarean delivery (CD) did not significantly decrease or increase the risk of fetal or neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity in twin pregnancy between 32 0/7 and 38 6/7 weeks of gestation, with the first twin in the vertex presentation. As prevalence rises for the second twin, emergency CD is necessary for delivery of the second twin after vaginal delivery of the first twin. Waiting after 38 weeks' gestation essentially requires close fetal and maternal surveillance to identify if those pregnancies may benefit to extend a gestational period. It is important to construct a system in which an emergency CD can be performed anytime. The caesarean section does not change in even multifetal pregnancy. Each step after laparotomy has few tips: (1) because the uterus strongly leans to the right, image the uterine rotation. To avoid thick vessels on the uterine lateral wall, perform long U -shaped incision using a scissor. 2) Ensure not to rupture the membrane of the second twin before delivery of the first twin. (3) Check the presentation of the second twin before rupture of that fetus's membrane. The second twin tends to change the presentation. If the upper uterine segment will clamp down and entrap the second twin, a vertical uterine incision is performed without hesitation. Women with multifetal pregnancy are at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Mainly PPH is caused by uterine atony. Oxytocin should be prepared before starting the CD. All bleeding may not be recognized in the operation field. Do not lose the timing of blood transfusion.