Photoemission Orbital Tomography Using a Robust Sparse PhaseLift.

Photoemission orbital tomography (POT) from photoelectron momentum maps (PMMs) is a powerful technique that visualizes the shape of the molecular orbitals (MOs) of molecular films. For further utilization of POT, a simple and low-cost method of POT is highly required. Here, we propose a new POT method based on the PhaseLift algorithm (PhaseLift POT). This method utilizes a lifting procedure to convert the PMM, which is a second-order polynomial of MO coefficients, into a first-order polynomial of the lifted MO coefficients and further relaxes the equality constraint for a given PMM. We also established a method to improve the accuracy of phase retrieval from the noisy PMM data by using sparsity for MO coefficients (sparse PhaseLift POT). These methods make it possible to reconstruct the three-dimensional MOs, including phases of the wave function, directly from a single experimental PMM. This method can also precisely determine the adsorption-induced molecular deformations with an accuracy of 0.05 [Å]. Furthermore, the robust sparse PhaseLift POT is robust against unavoidable noise in the experimental PMMs due to the relaxation of the matching condition for a given PMM. Therefore, this will be an innovative tool for POT, especially for analyzing the dynamics of the molecules during the chemical reaction and excitation processes.

In-vitro fertilisation-embryo-transfer complicates the antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum using MRI: a retrospective analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 95 patients with placenta previa or low-lying placenta who underwent MRI at Osaka University Hospital for the antenatal diagnosis of PAS between January 2013 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The antenatal MRI signs suggesting PAS were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they were diagnosed with PAS. Factors that affected PAS diagnosis were identified using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detecting PAS was as follows: 71.4% sensitivity, 96.4% specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.839 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.91). The diagnostic accuracy was lower in patients with in-vitro fertilisation with embryo transfer (IVF-ET): 22.2% sensitivity, 93.3% specificity, and AUC=0.578 (95% CI: 0.417-0.724). On multivariate analysis, only IVF-ET showed a significant association with false-positive or -negative MRI diagnosis of PAS (adjusted odds ratio: 26.5; 95% CI: 2.42-289.4; p=0.007). CONCLUSION: IVF-ET affects the antenatal diagnosis of PAS using MRI.

Hard x-ray photoemission study of Yb1-x Zr x B12: the effects of electron doping on the Kondo insulator YbB12.

We have carried out hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES) of Yb1-x Zr x B12 ([Formula: see text]) to study the effects of electron doping on the Kondo insulator YbB12. The Yb valences of Yb1-x Zr x B12 at 300 K estimated from the Yb 3d HAXPES spectra decreased after substituting Yb with Zr from 2.93 for YbB12 to 2.83 for Yb0.125Zr0.875B12. A temperature dependent valence decrease was found upon cooling for all doping concentrations. We found peak shifts of the B 1s and Zr 3d5/2, and Yb3+ 4f spectra toward the deeper binding-energy with increasing Zr concentration, which indicates a shift of the Fermi level to the higher energy and that of the Yb 4f hole level close to the Fermi level, respectively, due to electron doping. These results qualitatively show the enhanced hybridization between the Yb 4f and conduction-band states with Zr substitution, consistent with magnetic susceptibility measurements.

Short interpregnancy interval after B-Lynch uterine compression suture: a case report.

PURPOSE: The influence of the B-Lynch suture technique on subsequent fertility and pregnancy outcomes is not clear. In the present report, the authors describe the case of a very short interpregnancy interval following the successful placement of a B-lynch suture and discuss the associated problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 33-year-old-woman underwent cesarean section after undergoing artificial induction of labor and subsequent atonic postpartum hemorrhage. Placement of a B-Lynch brace suture successfully stopped the bleeding and preserved the uterus. The patient became unexpectedly pregnant only four months later, making the present case the shortest reported interpregnancy interval after a surgery involving the B-Lynch suture. CONCLUSION: In the present case, fertility was not affected, and obstetric complications (abortion, fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, and placenta previa) were not observed. Adhesions between the abdominal wall and the surface of the uterus along the previous B-Lynch suture line were observed and irregular, large blood vessels were observed on the surface of the uterus. Further reports are expected to determine the influence of the B-Lynch brace suture technique on the subsequent pregnancy.

Cesarean delivery via a transverse uterine fundal incision for the successful management of a low-lying placenta and aplastic anemia.

PURPOSE: To present a case report on the successful management of a low-lying placenta and aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious disorder that is often characterized by severe pancytopenia. Because of the rarity of aplastic anemia, a pregnancy complicated by it is rarely encountered by obstetricians. Moreover, placenta previa (low-lying placenta) complicated by aplastic anemia has not been previously reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors present the first reported case of placenta previa with aplastic anemia in a patient who had undergone a previous cesarean delivery. RESULTS: They successfully managed this case by making a transverse uterine fundal incision during an elective cesarean delivery. This incision minimized blood loss and enabled good visualization of the source of bleeding in the lower uterine segment. Bleeding was stemmed by suturing the source of bleeding. CONCLUSION: The authors propose that this procedure should be considered for patients with low platelet counts and abnormal placentation.

A Paleoarchean coastal hydrothermal field inhabited by diverse microbial communities: the Strelley Pool Formation, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia.

The 3.4-Ga Strelley Pool Formation (SPF) at the informally named 'Waterfall Locality' in the Goldsworthy greenstone belt of the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia, provides deeper insights into ancient, shallow subaqueous to possibly subaerial ecosystems. Outcrops at this locality contain a thin (<3 m) unit of carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous cherts and silicified sandstones that were deposited in a shallow-water coastal environment, with hydrothermal activities, consistent with the previous studies. Carbonaceous, sulfide-rich massive black cherts with coniform structures up to 3 cm high are characterized by diverse rare earth elements (REE) signatures including enrichment of light [light rare earth elements (LREE)] or middle rare earth elements and by enrichment of heavy metals represented by Zn. The massive black cherts were likely deposited by mixing of hydrothermal and non-hydrothermal fluids. Coniform structures in the cherts are characterized by diffuse laminae composed of sulfide particles, suggesting that unlike stromatolites, they were formed dominantly through physico-chemical processes related to hydrothermal activity. The cherts yield microfossils identical to previously described carbonaceous films, small and large spheres, and lenticular microfossils. In addition, new morphological types such as clusters composed of large carbonaceous spheroids (20-40 µm across each) with fluffy or foam-like envelope are identified. Finely laminated carbonaceous cherts are devoid of heavy metals and characterized by the enrichment of LREE. This chert locally contains conical to domal structures characterized by truncation of laminae and trapping of detrital grains and is interpreted as siliceous stromatolite formed by very early or contemporaneous silicification of biomats with the contribution of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids. Biological affinities of described microfossils and microbes constructing siliceous stromatolites are under investigation. However, this study emphasizes how diverse the microbial community in Paleoarchean coastal hydrothermal environment was. We propose the diversity is at least partially due to the availability of various energy sources in this depositional environment including reducing chemicals and sunlight.

Early evolution of large micro-organisms with cytological complexity revealed by microanalyses of 3.4 Ga organic-walled microfossils.

The Strelley Pool Formation (SPF) is widely distributed in the East Pilbara Terrane (EPT) of the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia, and represents a Paleoarchean shallow-water to subaerial environment. It was deposited ~3.4 billion years ago and displays well-documented carbonate stromatolites. Diverse putative microfossils (SPF microfossils) were recently reported from several localities in the East Strelley, Panorama, Warralong, and Goldsworthy greenstone belts. Thus, the SPF provides unparalleled opportunities to gain insights into a shallow-water to subaerial ecosystem on the early Earth. Our new micro- to nanoscale ultrastructural and microchemical studies of the SPF microfossils show that large (20-70 µm) lenticular organic-walled flanged microfossils retain their structural integrity, morphology, and chain-like arrangements after acid (HF-HCl) extraction (palynology). Scanning and transmitted electron microscopy of extracted microfossils revealed that the central lenticular body is either alveolar or hollow, and the wall is continuous with the surrounding smooth to reticulated discoidal flange. These features demonstrate the evolution of large micro-organisms able to form an acid-resistant recalcitrant envelope or cell wall with complex morphology and to form colonial chains in the Paleoarchean era. This study provides evidence of the evolution of very early and remarkable biological innovations, well before the presumed late emergence of complex cells.

Immunogenic tumor cell death induced by chemoradiotherapy: molecular mechanisms and a clinical translation.

Chemoradiotherapy can induce immunogenic cell death, triggering danger signals such as high-mobility group box 1 protein, and resulting in T-cell immunity. This concept can potentially be harnessed for clinical therapy to enhance tumor-specific immunity. There is however limited information to translate this theory directly in a clinical setting. In this review, we will discuss and summarize molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immunogenic tumor cell death induced by chemoradiotherapy, with emphasis on a clinical translation.

Imbalance of angiogenic factors and avascular edematous cystic villi in a trisomy 13 pregnancy: a case report.

The incidence of pre-eclampsia is significantly higher in trisomy 13 pregnancies than in normal pregnancies. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), located on chromosome 13, is an anti-angiogenic molecule derived from the placenta and contributes to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Elevated sFlt-1 and reduced placental growth factor (PlGF) are associated with trisomy 13 pregnancies and may play a pathogenic role in the subsequent development of pre-eclampsia. Here we present a case of a trisomy 13 pregnancy without any signs of pre-eclampsia that showed alterations in circulating angiogenic factors and abnormal placental appearance. The placenta developed edematous changes and contained multiple small cysts. Histology of the placenta confirmed avascular edematous cystic villi and did not show the typical appearance of a partial mole or mesenchymal dysplasia. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in maternal serum (134) was much higher than that in gestational age-matched women who were normotensive (2.9-7.2; mean, 5.0). Immunostaining for Flt-1 and endoglin was more intense in our case compared with gestational age-matched controls, and at a similar level to a case of pre-eclampsia. Placental findings that showed avascular edematous cystic villi in our case may be associated with angiogenic imbalance involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia in trisomy 13 pregnancies.

Maternal arterial stiffness in normotensive pregnant women who subsequently deliver babies that are small for gestational age.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between maternal arterial stiffness and delivery of a baby that is small for gestational age (SGA) in normotensive pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: Pulse wave analyses were performed to assess maternal arterial stiffness at 26-33 weeks of gestation in 40 normotensive women who subsequently delivered SGA babies (SGA group) and 111 normotensive women who delivered babies with normal growth (control group). RESULTS: Central systolic pressure (CSP), augmentation index (AIx) and AIx at a heart rate of 75 beats/min (AIx-75) were significantly higher in the SGA group compared with the control group, but this was not the case for brachial systolic pressure, brachial diastolic pressure or brachial pulse pressure. Birth weight was significantly correlated with CSP (r=-0.26, p<0.01), AIx (r=-0.33, p<0.01) and AIx-75 (r=-0.27, p<0.01), but not with brachial systolic pressure, brachial diastolic pressure or brachial pulse pressure. CONCLUSION: Increased arterial stiffness may be involved, in part, in the pathogenesis of SGA in normotensive women, suggesting an association between fetal growth and maternal endothelial function. Pulse wave analysis may be a clinically applicable method for assessment of maternal arterial stiffness, and may be more relevant to intrauterine fetal growth than conventional brachial blood pressure.

Time-action profiles of insulin detemir in normal and diabetic dogs.

Insulin detemir is the first member of a new class of long-acting soluble insulin analogues capable of maintaining the basal level of insulin in humans. In this preliminary study, we investigated the time-action profiles of insulin detemir in normal and diabetic dogs since the use of insulin detemir in canines has yet to be determined. Eight animals were used in our study (three normal and five insulin dependent diabetic dogs). Time-action profiles of insulin detemir were monitored in normal dogs using an artificial pancreas apparatus under euglycemic condition. Blood sampling was performed at 2h intervals post feeding, with insulin administration, in insulin dependent diabetic dogs. Time-action profiles of insulin detemir, in normal dogs, demonstrated that insulin detemir is a long-lasting preparation similar to what has been observed in humans. A pronounced peak was detected at 8-10h while the glucose-lowering effect lasted for over 24h after insulin injection, thus illustrating its longer prolonged peak activity time. Furthermore, intensive glycemic control was achieved with insulin detemir in insulin dependent diabetic dogs, using a lower dosage than NPH insulin and insulin glargine therapeutic doses. Our results indicate that insulin detemir has a greater effect than either NPH insulin or insulin glargine in canines, requiring a lower dose than either insulin preparation. However, using insulin detemir also carries a higher risk of inducing hypoglycemia as compared to either NPH insulin or insulin glargine.

Inverse correlation of HER2 with MHC class I expression on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: As HER2 is expressed in 30% of oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs), T-cell-based immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies targeted against HER2 are attractive, novel approaches for ESCCs. However, it was shown that there is an inverse correlation between HER2 and MHC class I expression on tumours. Thus, the correlation between HER2 and MHC class I expressions on ESCC was evaluated. METHODS: Expressions of MHC class I and HER2 in ESCC tissues (n=80) and cell lines were assessed by immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), and flow cytometry. We investigated whether HER2 downregulation with small interfering RNA (siRNA) in ESCC cell lines could upregulate the expression of MHC class I and the antigen presentation machinery components, and could increase their sensitivity for tumour antigen-specific CTLs. RESULTS: There was an inverse correlation between HER2 and MHC class I expressions in both tumour tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of HER2 with siRNA resulted in the upregulation of MHC class I expression, leading to increased CTL recognition by tumour antigen-specific CTLs. CONCLUSION: HER2-overexpressing ESCC tumour cells showed a reduced sensitivity for CTLs through the downregulation of MHC class I.

NK cell dysfunction with down-regulated CD16 and up-regulated CD56 molecules in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

NK cells can be divided into two subsets, CD56(dim) and CD56(bright) NK cells, based on their expression of CD56 and CD16. In the present study, we analyzed NK cell dysfunction in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), with a particular focus on the expression of CD16 and CD56 molecules. Expression of CD16 and CD56, and the distribution of CD56(dim) or CD56(bright) NK cells gated on CD56(+)CD3(-) NK cells were compared between ESCC patients (n= 40) and healthy donors (n= 38). Purified NK cells were evaluated for Cetuximab-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing ESCC cell lines. Although there were no significant differences in the distribution of CD56(dim) and CD56(bright) NK cells between ESCC patients and healthy donors, down-regulated CD16 and up-regulated CD56 were significantly observed on NK cells of ESCC patients, paralleling the impairment of Cetuximab-mediated ADCC, in comparison with healthy donors. After patients received curative resections of ESCC, the down-regulated CD16 and up-regulated CD56 were significantly restored to the levels of healthy donors. Moreover, TGF-beta1 partially contributed to down-regulation of CD16 on NK cells. Down-regulated CD16 and up-regulated CD56 molecules on NK cells were observed in ESCC patients, resulting in NK cell dysfunction.

Oxidative stress-induced S100B protein from placenta and amnion affects soluble Endoglin release from endothelial cells.

Oxidative stress with elevated intracellular Ca(2+) concentration as well as endothelial dysfunction is a component of pre-eclampsia. Our aim was to investigate the oxidative stress-dependent expression of Endoglin and Ca(2+)-binding S100B protein from villous and amniotic tissue cultures, and to assess sEng expression from S100B protein-stimulated endothelial cells. We initially examined Endoglin and Hydroxy-nonenal-(HNE)-modified proteins in the placentas and amnion obtained from women with pre-eclampsia (n = 8), and healthy controls (n = 8) by immunohistochemistry. To examine oxidative stress and the S100B protein effect on sEng expression from endothelial cells, normal villous and amniotic tissue cultures were stimulated by 4-HNE, sodium fluoride and xanthine/xanthine oxidase, whereas human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures were treated with S100B protein in a dose- and time-dependent manner at 37 degrees C in an environment of 95% air and 5% of CO(2). Culture supernatants were assessed using ELISA. Cell viability was determined using MTS assay. The concentrations of sEng and S100B protein were significantly increased in the villous and amniotic tissue culture supernatants under oxidative stress. S100B protein-stimulated endothelial cells released sEng into conditioned media with a significantly higher expression levels at a concentration of 200 pM-20 nM S100B by 2 h, whereas treated with 200 nM of S100B endothelial cells significantly expressed sEng by 12 h and stimulated the cell proliferation by the same period of time. Our findings show that oxidative stress affects sEng and S100B protein expression from villous and amniotic tissues, and picomolar and low nanomolar concentrations of S100B protein significantly up-regulate sEng release from endothelial cells leading to endothelial dysfunction.

Interleukin-21 can efficiently restore impaired antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that Trastuzumab- and Cetuximab-mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in cancer patients was impaired in comparison with that in healthy donors because of NK-cell dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated whether IL-21 could improve the impairment of ADCC in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as IL-21 was reported to have the ability to activate NK cells. METHODS: We examined Trastuzumab- and Cetuximab-mediated ADCC of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or of enriched NK cells derived from ESCC patients (n=20) and healthy donors (n=16) in the presence of IL-21. We further analysed ADCC-related molecules (perforin, granzyme-B, and CD247) on NK cells in response to IL-21. RESULTS: Trastuzumab- and Cetuximab-mediated ADCC of PBMCs or of enriched NK cells was enhanced by the addition of IL-21 in a dose-dependent manner and the levels of ADCC enhanced by IL-21 in patients were high enough in comparison with those in healthy donors, paralleling the upregulation of CD247 on NK cells. CONCLUSION: IL-21 could efficiently restore impaired ADCC in ESCC patients with the upregulation of CD247 molecules.

CCL17 and CCL22 chemokines within tumor microenvironment are related to infiltration of regulatory T cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

It has been reported that an increased population of regulatory T cells (T-regs) is one of the reasons for impaired anti-tumor immunity. We investigated the frequency of Foxp3(+) T-regs in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Furthermore, in order to elucidate the mechanisms behind T-regs accumulation within tumors, we evaluated the relationship between CCL17 or CCL22 expression and the frequency of Foxp3(+) T-regs. CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T-regs as a percentage of CD4(+) cells were counted by flow cytometry. The frequency of CCL17(+) or CCL22(+) cells among CD14(+) cells in tumors was also evaluated by flow cytometry. Moreover, an in vitro migration assay using T-regs derived from ESCC was performed in the presence of CCL17 or CCL22. The frequency of Foxp3(+) T-regs in TILs was significantly higher than that in the normal esophageal mucosa (24.6 +/- 10.0 vs 7.1 +/- 5.9%, P < 0.01). The frequency of Foxp3(+) T-regs in PBLs of ESCC patients was significantly higher than that in normal healthy donors (7.0 +/- 4.2 vs 2.5 +/- 1.0%, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the frequency of CCL17(+) or CCL22(+) cells among CD14(+) cells within tumors was significantly higher than that of normal esophageal mucosa, and there was a significant correlation between the frequency of CCL17(+) or CCL22(+) cells and Foxp3(+) T-regs in TILs. In addition, the in vitro migration assay indicated that T-regs were significantly induced to migrate by CCL17 or CCL22. In conclusion, CCL17 and CCL22 within the tumor are related to the increased population of Foxp3(+) T-regs in ESCC.

Amniotic fluid 'sludge' detected in patients with subchorionic hematoma: a report of two cases.

Amniotic fluid 'sludge' is defined as the presence of dense aggregates of particulate matter in close proximity to the internal cervical os. It is of clinical significance in asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous delivery, and in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes. Subchorionic hematoma is another ultrasound finding that is associated with a higher incidence of threatened miscarriage and preterm delivery. We report two cases of occurrence of amniotic fluid sludge in patients with previously detected large subchorionic hematoma. In the first case subchorionic hematoma and amniotic fluid sludge were detected by ultrasonography at 13 + 1 and 18 + 6 weeks' gestation, respectively, followed by preterm premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption and emergency Cesarean section. In the second case subchorionic hematoma and amniotic fluid sludge were detected by ultrasound at 11 + 3 and 15 + 5 weeks' gestation, respectively, followed by miscarriage with histological chorioamnionitis. The coincidence of subchorionic hematoma and amniotic fluid sludge in these cases points to a possible connection between these two significant ultrasound findings.

The human tumor-associated antigen RCAS1 in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia.

The human tumor-associated antigen RCAS1 (receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells) is considered to play a role in the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance and, at the same time, participates in the inhibition of the maternal immune response during pregnancy. The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of tumor-associated RCAS1 protein in the placenta and amniotic membranes and to assess and compare its concentration in amniotic fluid, maternal and cord blood sera in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia. Samples were obtained from women with pre-eclampsia (N=9), pre-eclampsia with IUGR (N=4), normotensive IUGR (N=7) and healthy term controls (N=25) after delivery. Placentas were studied by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis and real-time (RT)-PCR. For assessment of RCAS1 protein concentrations in biological fluids, ELISA was performed. RCAS1 mRNA expression in the placentas of pre-eclamptic patients was significantly lower than in controls (p<0.01). The maternal blood serum RCAS1 protein concentration in the pre-eclampsia cases was also significantly lower than in controls (p=0.0207). The other study groups did not differ significantly. This study reveals the possible role of the RCAS1 protein in the development of pre-eclampsia through an immunological pathway.

Observation of the one-dimensional diffusion of nanometer-sized dislocation loops.

Dislocations are ubiquitous linear defects and are responsible for many of the properties of crystalline materials. Studies on the glide process of dislocations in bulk materials have mostly focused on the response of dislocations with macroscopic lengths to external loading or unloading. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, we show that nanometer-sized loops with a Burgers vector of (1/2)111 in alpha-Fe can undergo one-dimensional diffusion even in the absence of stresses that are effective in driving the loops. The loop size dependence of the loop diffusivity obtained is explained by the stochastic thermal fluctuation in the numbers of double kinks.

Targeting EGFR and HER-2 with cetuximab- and trastuzumab-mediated immunotherapy in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

We previously reported that oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) had a relatively high incidence of EGFR and HER-2 overexpression. Thus, anti-HER family targeting may become a promising approach to treat oesophageal SCC. In the present study, we investigated (a) the distribution of EGFR and HER-2 expression in oesophageal SCC (n=66) detected by immunohistochemistry and (b) cetuximab- and/or trastuzumab-mediated biological activity (antiproliferative effect by the MTT assay, apoptosis-inducing activity by the annexin V/propidium iodide assay, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by the (51)Cr-release assay) against oesophageal SCC cell lines with various levels of EGFR and HER-2. Twelve of the 66 patients (18%) showed both EGFR- and HER-2 expression. Out of both EGFR- and HER-2-positive cases, nine cases (75%) showed EGFR and HER-2 expression in individually distinct regions. Furthermore, the combination of cetuximab and trastuzumab could induce synergistic antiproliferative effects and additional ADCC activities against not all, but several oesophageal SCC cell lines with EGFR and HER-2 expression. The combination of cetuximab and trastuzumab may be useful in the treatment of oesophageal SCC with EGFR and HER-2 expression.