Anterior horn damage in brachial multisegmental amyotrophy with superficial siderosis and dural tear: an autopsy case report.

BACKGROUND: Patients with superficial siderosis (SS) rarely show brachial multisegmental amyotrophy with ventral intraspinal fluid collection accompanied with dural tear. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe spinal cord pathology of a 58-year-old man who developed brachial multisegmental amyotrophy with ventral intraspinal fluid collection from the cervical to lumbar spinal levels accompanied with SS, dural tear, and snake-eyes appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiological and pathological analyses detected diffuse and prominent superficial deposition of hemosiderin in the central nervous system. Snake-eyes appearance on MRI expanded from the C3 to C7 spinal levels without apparent cervical canal stenosis. Pathologically, severe neuronal loss at both anterior horns and intermediate zone was expanded from the upper cervical (C3) to middle thoracic (Th5) spinal gray matter, and these findings were similar to compressive myelopathy. CONCLUSION: Extensive damage of the anterior horns in our patient may be due to dynamic compression induced by ventral intraspinal fluid collection.

Comparative analysis of thioflavin T and other fluorescent dyes for fluorescent staining of Bacillus subtilis vegetative cell, sporulating cell, and mature spore.

Thioflavin T, a cationic benzothiazole dye, is typically used to detect amyloid fibrils. In this study, we analyzed the staining properties of Bacillus subtilis cells using several fluorescent dyes, including thioflavin T analogs, 2-(4'-methylaminophenyl) benzothiazole (BTA-1), and 2-(4-aminophenyl) benzothiazole (APBT). Thioflavin T stained vegetative cells in the early log phase and outer layer structures of forespores and mature spores. The inner parts of forespores and heat-killed mature spores were also stained with thioflavin T. Congo red, auramine O, and rhodamine B stained forespores and mature spores similar to thioflavin T. In contrast, APBT and BTA-1 fluorescence was detected in the outer layers of vegetative cells, mother cells, forespores, and mature spores, indicating that they bind to the cell membrane and/or cell wall. The combination of the fluorescent dyes used in this study will help analyze morphogenetic processes during the sporulation and the damage mechanisms of vegetative cells and spores.

Dural sac restenosis due to regeneration of the resected C1 lamina in a patient with Chiari malformation: a case report and literature review.

Although foramen magnum decompression (FMD) is effective for the treatment of Chiari malformation type I (CM1), reoperations may be required in cases of insufficient decompression. We encountered a patient who experienced restenosis due to regeneration of resected C1 laminae and required reoperation after FMD.We present the case of a 14-year-old boy with symptomatic CM1 and syringomyelia who underwent FMD with outer dura layer incision and C1 laminectomy. He experienced gait disturbance, hyperesthesia, and hyperhidrosis, which did not improve after the surgery. He experienced recurrence of the stenosis at the age of 16 years, for which he underwent resection of the regenerated C1 arch and duraplasty. His symptoms gradually resolved after the second surgery.The recurrence might have been caused by regeneration of the C1 laminae. Bone regeneration rarely necessitates reoperation. Frequent follow-up is important after decompression surgery for Chiari malformation in young patients.

Appropriate Health Management Considering the Vulnerability of Women during Disasters.

In situations of a disaster, it has been observed that the damage suffered by women and men is not equal. The vulnerability of women during disasters has been the focus of several studies and disaster management guidelines. Records show that there were more women victims than men victims in both the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995 and the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) in 2011. Biologically speaking, women are physically less fit than men are; hence, they are more susceptible to physical disabilities induced by disasters and may be disadvantaged in evacuation situations. However, vulnerability of women during disasters is a complex problem that involves physical fitness, as well as other various factors. In the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (SFDRR) adopted in 2015, prioritized actions such as "Build Back Better" were defined based on the GEJE experiences. In the SFDRR, in addition to vulnerability of women during disasters, medical services including maternal, newborn, and child health and sexual and reproductive health are considered the key factors for disaster risk reduction. This has been discussed in all phases of disaster risk reduction planning and post-disaster response. These findings suggest that the role of obstetrics and gynecology is comprehensive and important as a part of disaster medicine at the local and national levels, as recommended in the SFDRR. In this review, we summarized the management of women's health and gynecological responses during disasters and considered the importance of women as stakeholders in disaster risk reduction.

Study Profile of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: We established a community-based cohort study to assess the long-term impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on disaster victims and gene-environment interactions on the incidence of major diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: We asked participants to join our cohort in the health check-up settings and assessment center based settings. Inclusion criteria were aged 20 years or over and living in Miyagi or Iwate Prefecture. We obtained information on lifestyle, effect of disaster, blood, and urine information (Type 1 survey), and some detailed measurements (Type 2 survey), such as carotid echography and calcaneal ultrasound bone mineral density. All participants agreed to measure genome information and to distribute their information widely. RESULTS: As a result, 87,865 gave their informed consent to join our study. Participation rate at health check-up site was about 70%. The participants in the Type 1 survey were more likely to have psychological distress than those in the Type 2 survey, and women were more likely to have psychological distress than men. Additionally, coastal residents were more likely to have higher degrees of psychological distress than inland residents, regardless of sex. CONCLUSION: This cohort comprised a large sample size and it contains information on the natural disaster, genome information, and metabolome information. This cohort also had several detailed measurements. Using this cohort enabled us to clarify the long-term effect of the disaster and also to establish personalized prevention based on genome, metabolome, and other omics information.

Assessment of collateral venous flow using temporary clip placement at ICG videoangiography.

BACKGROUND: As there are many collateral pathways between venous systems, intraoperative venous injury rarely induces venous infarction. In some patients, however, venous injury during microsurgical manipulation may cause acute and/or delayed serious complications. Although intraoperative evaluation using indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography is very useful, it is difficult to assess the flow direction using this technique. METHOD: A simple technique using temporary clips and ICG videoangiography was applied to assess the collateral venous pathway in 4 cases of surgical manipulation-related injury or occlusion of the main superficial Sylvian vein in patients with aneurysm. RESULTS: The flow direction and collateral pathway can be easily visualized after release of temporary occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: A collateral venous pathway can be evaluated with the present simple technique described here.

Mental Health and Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causing disruptions in the global social system. Japanese children and adolescents have had their schools closed, government-mandated activity restrictions imposed, and interactions outside the home reduced. These restrictions can have a considerable psychological impact on children and adolescents. This review aims to describe the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and psychological status of this population. The review was conducted by searching PubMed for information on the impact of COVID-19-related activity restrictions on children and adolescents. The search identified 11 articles, three of which contained data on anxiety and psychological problems due to physical inactivity. Next, a PubMed search was conducted about physical activity and psychological status in children and adolescents under psychological stress. The search identified 368 articles, 28 of which were included in the review. For children, data that revealed a correlation between physical activity and psychological health and sedentary time leading to mood disorders were included. For adolescents, there were nine studies that reported a correlation between physical activity and psychological health and four studies that reported no correlation between physical activity and psychological health. Of the studies that reported a correlation, seven reported that physical activity improves psychological health. The impact of psychologically stressful situations such as COVID-19 on children and adolescents has been experienced worldwide. Physical activity has been correlated with psychological health, and it may improve psychological status; physical activity should be recommended to better support the psychological health of children and adolescents under the influence of COVID-19.

Correlations Among Consistency, Computed Tomography Values, and Histopathological Subtypes of Spinal Meningioma.

The consistency of spinal meningiomas is important to consider when performing tumor removal surgery. This study evaluated the correlations between spinal meningioma consistency and both preoperative computed tomography (CT) values and histopathological subtypes. Fifteen consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection of spinal meningioma at our institution were identified, and preoperative CT values and the signal intensity of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of the tumor were determined retrospectively. The consistency of the spinal meningioma was defined based on the ultrasonic surgical aspirator output during tumor debulking. Patients were assigned to 2 groups: a soft group (n=4) and a hard group (n=11). The T2 signal intensity was significantly higher in the soft group than in the hard group (p=0.001). While the CT values were considerably higher in the hard group, the difference was not significant (p=0.19). Regarding the histopathological subtypes, psammomatous meningioma exhibited significantly higher CT values than meningothelial meningioma (p=0.019); however, there was a higher frequency of hard tumors in meningothelial meningioma cases than in psammomatous meningioma cases. Although neither robust correlations between tumor consistency and CT values nor a relationship between tumor consistency and histopathological subtype has been established, these results might help with the perioperative manegement of spinal tumors.

T-Configuration Stent Placement for Carotid Bifurcation Stenosis Co-Existing with Ipsilateral Intracranial Stenosis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

In patients with carotid bifurcation stenosis co-existing with ipsilateral intracranial artery stenosis, combined treatment with carotid artery stenting (CAS)/carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and extracranial-to- intracranial (EC-IC) bypass can be a useful option to prevent future ischemic stroke events. EC-IC bypass requires a sufficient antegrade flow in the ipsilateral external carotid artery. However, standard CAS/CEA occasionally lead to external carotid artery occlusion. Herein, we present a case of successful one-stage endovascular revascularization of both the antegrade internal and external carotid artery flow using the carotid T-stent technique for carotid bifurcation stenosis co-existing with ipsilateral middle cerebral artery stenosis.

[Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion:Safe Surgical Operation Based on Detailed Anatomical Knowledge].

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF)was developed by R.B. Cloward in the 1950s and it has spread over the world for the treatment of the spinal degenerative disorders. It is considered to be the most effective treatment for patients with anterior compression of the spinal cord. Because most of the surgical complications reportedly occur while approaching the vertebral column through the subcutaneous tissues, precise knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the neck is crucial for effective and safe surgery. In this paper, we describe the appropriate surgical maneuvers in each surgical step, based on anatomical knowledge, for avoiding surgery-related complications. We would like to emphasize that anatomical features differ with individual patients; therefore, careful preoperative evaluation is very important. Surgical strategy, based on adequate preoperative evaluation, will lead to good postoperative results.

Synthesis of Small Fluorescent Molecules and Evaluation of Photophysical Properties.

A series of aniline-based fluorophores were newly synthesized. To increase their fluorescence quantum yields, it was particularly important to substitute 3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl (TFPE) groups next to the amino group to benefit from an extended π-electron delocalization. Among these, 5-CN-2-TFPE-aniline was found to behave as an excellent fluorophore with a reasonable fluorescence quantum yield of 0.89 even in aqueous solution. l-Alanine peptide, a nonfluorescent analogue of 5-CN-2-TFPE-aniline, was synthesized and successfully employed as an enzyme probe to detect aminopeptidase N activity.

A comparison of liquid-based and conventional cytology using data for cervical cancer screening from the Japan Cancer Society.

OBJECTIVE: Liquid-based cytology has replaced conventional cytology in cervical cancer screening in many countries. However, a detailed comparison of liquid-based cytology with conventional cytology has not been reported in Japan. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate efficacy of liquid-based cytology in Japan. METHODS: We first evaluated the prevalence of use of liquid-based cytology and then examined the efficacy of liquid-based cytology and conventional cytology for detecting CIN and the rate of unsatisfactory specimens using data from cancer screening collected by the Japanese Cancer Society from FY2011 to FY2014. A Poisson regression model with random effects analyses was used to classify histological outcomes and unsatisfactory specimens using liquid-based cytology compared to conventional cytology. RESULTS: A total of 3 815 131 women were analyzed in the study. The rate of liquid-based cytology increased from approximately 8% in FY2011 to 37% in FY2014. Compared to conventional cytology, the detection rates with liquid-based cytology were significantly higher (1.42 times) for CIN1+ [detection rate ratio (DRR) = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-1.48, P < 0.001] and CIN2+ (DRR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.08-1.25, P < 0.001). Positive predictive value ratios of CIN1+ and CIN2+ were also significantly higher for liquid-based cytology than for conventional cytology. However, there was no significant difference between liquid-based cytology and conventional cytology for detection rates and positive predictive values of CIN3+ and cancer. The rate of unsatisfactory specimens was significantly lower with liquid-based cytology compared to conventional cytology (DRR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.05-0.09, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In order to avoid the unsatisfactory specimens in cervical cancer screening, the results of this study did indicate that liquid-based cytology was more useful than conventional cytology in practical standpoints.

Appropriate surgical procedures for Chiari type 1 malformation and associated syrinx based on radiological characteristics of the craniovertebral junction.

Several surgical procedures can be applied for syrinx associated with Chiari type 1 malformation; however, it remains controversial as to which approach is the most effective. Here, we evaluated the indications and limitations of foramen magnum decompression (FMD) with or without dural plasty. Forty patients with Chiari type 1 malformation were surgically treated and followed up for > 12 months. Thirty-two patients (80.0%) underwent FMD with removal of only the outer dura mater layer, while eight patients underwent FMD with dural plasty. We evaluated surgery-related complications and preoperative radiological findings affecting syrinx shrinkage rates. Post-surgery, the mean syrinx shrinkage rates were 0.32 ± 0.44 in the outer layer-removal group and 0.72 ± 0.27 in the dural plasty group (P = 0.012). Surgery-related complications were less frequent, but reoperation was more frequent, in the outer layer-removal group. The extent of tonsillar descent significantly affected syrinx shrinkage in FMD with outer layer removal (P = 0.042). The outcomes of both approaches in patients with tonsillar descent < 10.0 mm were similar. The dura mater in the posterior fossa was thin, necessitating dural plasty with FMD, while the spinal dura was sufficiently thick for removal of the outer layer in the Chiari patients. These histological differences corresponded with the inferior margin of the cerebellar tonsil. Recognizing the appropriate surgical indication for achieving good post-procedural outcomes is necessary for reducing complications and improving outcomes of FMD for Chiari type 1 malformations.

Multiple primary cancers associated with endometrial and ovarian cancers: An analysis based upon the Japan Autopsy Annual Database from 2002 to 2010.

AIM: A thorough analysis of multiple primary cancers (MPC) could provide important information as to the pathogenesis of human malignancies. Analysis of MPC using clinical databases has been performed, but little has been done using autopsy cases. Therefore, in this study, we first retrospectively analyzed MPC associated with endometrial and ovarian cancers using the Japan Autopsy Annual Database. METHODS: The Japan Autopsy Annual Database from 2002 to 2010 was established by the Japanese Society of Pathology, Tokyo, Japan. Among the 164 211 autopsy cases registered, 9142 were cases of primary cancers. RESULTS: The patients with endometrial cancer-associated MPC did have a lower risk of harboring colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.89) but had a higher risk of ovarian cancer (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 2.11-4.71). Those with ovarian cancer-associated MPC had a lower risk of harboring gallbladder cancer including bile ductal cancer (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27-0.80) but a higher risk of harboring breast (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.20-2.38) and endometrial cancers (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.33-5.20). CONCLUSION: Both endogenous and exogenous factors are associated with the incidence of MPC. Results of our present study based on Japanese Autopsy Base first demonstrated that female hormones had a strong influence on the incidence of MPC. This study also demonstrated that the analysis of MPC using an autopsy database could have advantages over clinical database analysis.

STA-ACA bypass using the ipsilateral free STA graft as an interposition graft and A3-A3 anastomosis for treatment of bilateral ACA steno-occlusive ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cerebral artery (ACA)-related ischemia is a rare entity in patients with atherosclerosis. Some surgical treatments are reported to date. METHOD: We present the modification of intracranial-intracranial and intracranial-extracranial bypasses for symptomatic bilateral ACA steno-occlusive disease. The A3-A3 bypass followed by the superficial temporal artery-ACA bypass using the ipsilateral free superficial temporal artery graft is useful without harvesting of the radial artery. CONCLUSION: Bilateral ACA steno-occlusive induced ischemia can be treated with tailored bypass procedures.

Usefulness of venous catheter as an intraluminal stent for end-to-end venous anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Venous anastomosis is one of the most difficult techniques in vascular neurosurgery. METHOD: We present a simple technique of end-to-end venous anastomosis for reconstruction of accidentally injured vein. A venous catheter was used for the stent during the end-to-end anastomosis. RESULTS: The venous catheter as the stent facilitated confirmation of the ostium of the vein. The venous end-to-end anastomosis was successfully performed. CONCLUSIONS: Accidental venous injury can be reconstructed with the present simple technique.

Wrap-clipping as a rescue surgical technique for vessel perforation due to stent strut: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: Arterial injury related to stent strut is rare during stent-assisted coil embolization. METHOD: The patient underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for a right middle cerebral artery aneurysm. At this time, the parent arterial injury at M1 portion of the middle cerebral artery resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage. The arterial penetration caused by the stent strut was repaired with wrap-clipping. RESULTS: Postoperative angiograms demonstrated the complete obliteration of the arterial injury. The patient was discharged without neurological deficits. Neither recurrence nor stenosis was observed after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Wrap-clipping is a useful procedure to repair the arterial injury due to the stent strut.

Exploring Protein⁻Protein Interaction in the Study of Hormone-Dependent Cancers.

Estrogen receptors promote target gene transcription when they form a dimer, in which two identical (homodimer) or different (heterodimer) proteins are bound to each other. In hormone-dependent cancers, hormone receptor dimerization plays pivotal roles, not only in the pathogenesis or development of the tumors, but also in the development of therapeutic resistance. Protein⁻protein interactions (PPIs), including dimerization and complex formation, have been also well-known to be required for proteins to exert their functions. The methods which could detect PPIs are genetic engineering (i.e., resonance energy transfer) and/or antibody technology (i.e., co-immunoprecipitation) using cultured cells. In addition, visualization of the target proteins in tissues can be performed using antigen⁻antibody reactions, as in immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, development of microscopic techniques (i.e., electron microscopy and confocal laser microscopy) has made it possible to visualize intracellular and/or intranuclear organelles. We have recently reported the visualization of estrogen receptor dimers in breast cancer tissues by using the in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA). PLA was developed along the lines of antibody technology development, and this assay has made it possible to visualize PPIs in archival tissue specimens. Localization of PPI in organelles has also become possible using super-resolution microscopes exceeding the resolution limit of conventional microscopes. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the methodologies used for studying PPIs in both cells and tissues, and review the recently reported studies on PPIs of hormones.

Relaxin 2/RXFP1 Signaling Induces Cell Invasion via the ß-Catenin Pathway in Endometrial Cancer.

Relaxin is known to play an important role in animal pregnancies, including those of humans. It is suggested that relaxin induces aggressive cell growth and invasiveness in several types of cancer, including endometrial cancer. However, the mechanisms of relaxin remain largely unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of relaxin 2 (RLN2), the major circulating relaxin in humans, on human endometrial carcinoma cell lines. RLN2 treatment induced invasion in HEC-1B and Ishikawa cells. RLN2-induced cell invasion was significantly decreased by transfection of relaxin receptor 1 (RXFP1) siRNAs. The ß-catenin inhibitor, XAV939, also significantly inhibited the RLN2-induced cell invasions. Both a decrease of cadherin expression and an increase of ß-catenin phosphorylation were observed in response to the RLN2 treatment in HEC-1B and Ishikawa cells. We then examined RLN2 and RXFP1 expression in 80 human endometrioid endometrial carcinoma tissues. RLN2 immunoreactivity was detected in the human endometrial carcinoma cells and had a correlative tendency with histological grade and RXFP1. These results suggest that adherens junctions in cancer cells are weakened by the breakdown of the cadherin/catenin complex, which is induced by ß-catenin phosphorylation via RLN2/RXFP1 signaling.

17ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 Expression Is Induced by Androgen Signaling in Endometrial Cancer.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common female pelvic cancers and has been considered an androgen-related malignancy. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-cell proliferative effect of androgen on endometrial cancer cells; however, the mechanisms of the anti-cancer effect of androgen remain largely unclear. 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17ß-HSD2), which catalyzes the conversion of E2 to E1, is known to be upregulated by androgen treatment in breast cancer cells. In this study, we therefore focused on the role of androgen on estrogen dependence in endometrial cancer. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was found to induce 17ß-HSD2 mRNA and protein expression in HEC-1B endometrial cancer cells. DHT could also inhibit cell proliferation of HEC-1B when induced by estradiol treatment. In 19 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (EEA) tissues, intratumoral DHT concentration was measured by liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and was found to be significantly correlated with 17ß-HSD2 immunohistochemical status. We further examined the correlations between 17ß-HSD2 immunoreactivity and clinicopathological parameters in 53 EEA tissues. 17ß-HSD2 status was inversely associated with the histological grade, clinical stage, and cell proliferation marker Ki-67, and positively correlated with progesterone receptor expression. 17ß-HSD2 status tended to be positively associated with androgen receptor status. In 53 EEA cases, the 17ß-HSD2-positive group tended to have better prognosis than that for the negative group with respect to progression-free survival and endometrial cancer-specific survival. These findings suggest that androgen suppresses the estrogen dependence of endometrial cancer through the induction of 17ß-HSD2 in endometrial cancer.