KLK10 derived from tumor endothelial cells accelerates colon cancer cell proliferation and hematogenous liver metastasis formation.

Tumor endothelial cells (TECs), which are thought to be structurally and functionally different from normal endothelial cells (NECs), are increasingly attracting attention as a therapeutic target in hypervascular malignancies. Although colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) tumors are hypovascular, inhibitors of angiogenesis are a key drug in multidisciplinary therapy, and TECs might be involved in the development and progression of cancer. Here, we analyzed the function of TEC in the CRLM tumor microenvironment. We used a murine colon cancer cell line (CT26) and isolated TECs from CRLM tumors. TECs showed higher proliferation and migration than NECs. Coinjection of CT26 and TECs yielded rapid tumor formation in vivo. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that coinjection of CT26 and TECs increased vessel formation and Ki-67+ cells. Transcriptome analysis identified kallikrein-related peptide 10 (KLK10) as a candidate target. Coinjection of CT26 and TECs after KLK10 downregulation with siRNA suppressed tumor formation in vivo. TEC secretion of KLK10 decreased after KLK10 downregulation, and conditioned medium after KLK10 knockdown in TECs suppressed CT26 proliferative activity. Double immunofluorescence staining of KLK10 and CD31 in CRLM tissues revealed a significant correlation between poor prognosis and positive KLK10 expression in TECs and tumor cells. On multivariate analysis, KLK10 expression was an independent prognostic factor in disease-free survival. In conclusion, KLK10 derived from TECs accelerates colon cancer cell proliferation and hematogenous liver metastasis formation. KLK10 in TECs might offer a promising therapeutic target in CRLM.

Our experience of repeat laparoscopic liver resection in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Repeat liver resection is an effective treatment approach for patients with recurrent hepatocellular cell carcinoma (HCC). However, the surgical feasibility and oncological significance of repeat laparoscopic liver resection (r-LLR) remain unproven. This study evaluates and compares the clinical outcomes of non-anatomic r-LLR applied towards recurrent HCC, with those of primary LLR (p-LLR) for primary HCC. METHODS: This retrospective study reports 104 patients with HCC, treated with LLR between 2014 and 2018. Twenty eight of these patients underwent r-LLR for recurrent HCC. The clinical and surgical variables were reviewed for all cases. RESULTS: The analysis was limited to non-anatomic resection across both groups (r-LLR: 89% (25/28) vs. p-LLR: 80% (61/76)). There were no statistically significant differences about patient background between the two groups, with the exception of Child-Pugh classification. r-LLR surgical techniques included single-site laparoscopic adhesiolysis (32%, 8/25), Pringle maneuver (8%, 2/25), and crush-clamp method using BiClamp for hepatic parenchymal transection (72%, 18/25). No severe postoperative complications were observed in the r-LLR group. Postoperative hospital stays and procedure-related postoperative survival were similar for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Non-anatomical r-LLR renders comparable surgical and oncological outcomes. Our data suggest that non-anatomical r-LLR is a safe and feasible therapeutic approach to recurrent HCC.

[A Case of Advanced Adenosquamous Carcinoma of Pancreas with Conversion Surgery after Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Systemic Chemotherapy].

A man in his 60s with upper abdominal discomfort was referred to our hospital. CT scan revealed the 40 mm tumor in the body and tail of pancreas invading stomach wall. Solid soft tissue contact was also observed around celiac artery(CA)and common hepatic artery(CHA). EUS-FNA from pancreatic mass showed suspicion of adenosquamous carcinoma. We diagnosed it as pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma, cT4N0M0, cStage Ⅲ. The patient received radiotherapy(46.8 Gy/26 Fr in total)combined with S-1. Although the primary lesion showed shrinkage, solid soft tissue around CA and CHA deteriorated. We judged the tumor unresectable, and the patient received systemic chemotherapy using gemcitabine(GEM). After 6 courses of GEM, solid soft tissue around CA and CHA almost disappeared. Based on these results, we performed distal pancreatectomy and partial gastrectomy 8 months after the initiation of the treatment. Pathological results showed adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas with Grade 2 response to the preoperative treatment. Although the tumor invaded into the gastric wall, R0 resection was achieved. The patient is alive with no recurrence a year and 4 months after the initiation of treatment and 8 months after resection.

Totally implantable venous access port via the femoral vein in a femoral port position with CT-venography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the success rate and any complications using a percutaneous approach to the femoral vein (FV) for placement of a totally implantable access port (TIVAP), with a preoperative assessment of the femoral and iliac veins using computed tomography-venography (CT-V). METHODS: A prospective study of 72 patients was conducted where placement of a TIVAP was attempted via the right FV, with the port placed in the anterior thigh, when subclavian vein or jugular vein access was contraindicated. Preoperative assessment of the femoral venous plexus was performed with CT-V in 72 patients. RESULTS: CT-V success was achieved in 72 of 72 patients (100%). The average distance between the inguinal ligament and the saphenofeomral (FV-GSV) junction was 42.8 ± 12.9 mm. The FV approach had a 97% successful cannulation rate. Two patients had a thrombosis in either the femoral vein or the great saphenous vein. One procedural complication (1.4%) and one initial complication (1.4%) occurred. Late complications occurred in four patients (5.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous FV approach with CT-V guidance is an option for patients with multiple central venous cannulations, as well as those with bilateral breast cancer, or those undergoing hemodialysis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:1024-1028. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Computed tomography (CT) venography using a multidetector CT prior to the percutaneous external jugular vein approach for an implantable venous-access port.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the success rate and complications of using the percutaneous approach of the external jugular vein (EJV) for placement of a totally implantable venous-access port (TIVAP) with a preoperative estimate of the detailed anatomical orientation of the cervical venous plexus using computed tomography venography (CT-V). METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 45 patients in whom placement of a TIVAP was attempted via the right EJV was conducted. The preoperative anatomical estimation of the cervical venous plexus was performed with CT-V using a Multidetector Helical 16-section CT. The angulation between the right EJV and the right subclavian vein, anterior jugular vein, transverse cervical vein, and suprascapular vein was estimated. RESULTS: CT-V success was achieved in 45 of 45 patients (100 %). A plexus of veins under the clavicle was most commonly responsible for the insertion of the central venous catheter. The EJV approach resulted in a successful cannulation rate of 93 %. No initial complications of pneumothorax or carotid artery puncture occurred during insertion procedures. Late complications occurred in three patients. These included one port erosion (2 %), one catheter occlusion (2 %), and one wound hematoma (2 %). Catheter-related infections were observed in one patient (2 %). CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous EJV approach with CT-V guidance is an optional method for patients with multiple central venous cannulations, those in hemodialysis, or those with long catheter indwelling periods.

Geriatric prognostic scoring system predicts survival after hepatectomy for elderly patients with liver cancer.

Aim: The number of elderly patients with liver cancer is increasing with the aging society. The Geriatric Prognostic Scoring System is useful in predicting the postoperative prognosis for elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess the predictive ability of the geriatric prognostic scoring system for postoperative survival in elderly patients with liver cancer. Methods: Eighty-eight patients aged ≥75 years who were treated for primary liver cancer and metastatic liver tumor were retrospectively analyzed. The Geriatric Prognostic Score (GPS) was created by several clinical parameters such as age, sex, type of cancer, stage, performance status, body mass index, and comprehensive geriatric assessment. Each patient was divided into two groups of high-risk to low-risk according to their GPS: ≧30 high-risk group and <30 low-risk. The predictive ability of geriatric prognostic scoring system for postoperative survival was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of the 88 patients, 75 were diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma and 13 as colorectal liver metastasis. After geriatric prognostic scoring system assessments, 26 patients were diagnosed as high-risk and the remaining 62 as low-risk. The 3-year overall survival rates were 78.5% in the low-risk group and 35.1% in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). The univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival identified high GPS as an independent significant factor (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We could conclude that the geriatric prognostic scoring system is useful in predicting patients' prognosis after hepatectomy and it can provide helpful information to surgeons for determining treatment strategies for elderly patients with liver cancer.

Colorectal liver metastasis with bile duct tumor thrombus discovered 15 years post primary tumor resection: a case report and literature review.

Colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) appears in 25-50% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, CRLM with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is rare and often diagnosed after surgical resection. We report a case of CRLM associated with BDTT in a 79 year-old woman. She underwent sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid colon carcinoma at the age of 64. Fifteen years later, abdominal computed tomography revealed a liver tumor with a biliary tumor thrombus in segment IV/V and localized dilation of the intrahepatic bile duct. Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a tumor in liver segment IV/V and mass in the bile duct (B4). Extended left hepatic lobectomy was performed under the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or metastatic liver tumor with tumor development in the intrahepatic bile duct. The resected specimen showed significant cancer infiltration into the intrahepatic bile duct (B4), forming a tumor thrombus. The tumor was a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, histologically similar to sigmoid colon cancer. CRLM with BDTT may have a relatively low invasive potential of malignancy with a long interval after primary resection. When a patient with a history of CRC presents with BDTT, the possibility of CRLM with BDTT and surgical treatment should be considered, because resection could lead to a good prognosis. It is important to ensure a secure surgical margin in the bile ducts during surgery and anatomical hepatic resection should be considered. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13691-022-00583-6.

Traumatic Superficial Femoral Arteriovenous Fistula with Pulsatile Mass and Leg Pain 60 Years after Stabbing Injury.

Post-traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a vascular injury complication and can present with vessel dilation, forming pulsatile varices, venous hypertension, distal ischemia, and congestive heart failure. We present a case of only pulsatile mass and leg pain caused by a 60-year-old post-traumatic AVF. Computed tomography angiography showed an AVF between the superficial femoral artery and superficial femoral vein. Surgical repair with AVF ligation was successfully performed. Traumatic AVF caused vascular and heart failure in the future; therefore, post-traumatic AVF is better eliminated as soon as possible.

Wound Healing on the Cutting Plane of Ankle Bones after Incomplete Revascularization for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is an important issue for elderly patients with peripheral artery disease. Here, we present the case of a 91-year-old man with CLTI, residing in a rural district. The onset of CLTI rapidly deprived him of ambulation because of a foot infection. Given that he had difficulty with long-distance transportation, limb salvage for extensive tissue loss was performed at a district facility, based on his and his family's request. Finally, skin grafting on the cutting plane of the right ankle bones resulted in wound healing in six months after incomplete revascularization and multiple minor amputations.

Stabilization of long-lived metastable state in long alkylated spin-crossover cobalt(II) compound.

The A mixed crystal compound [Co(0.8)Fe(0.2)(C16-terpy)(2)](BF(4))(2) (2) (C16-terpy is 4'-hexadecyloxy-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) with long alkyl chains was prepared by mixing [Co(C16-terpy)(2)](BF(4))(2) (1), which exhibits unique magnetic behavior, and the diamagnetic iron(II) compound [Fe(C16-terpy)(2)](BF(4))(2) (3). The long-lived metastable state in the frozen-in effect was observed for the first time in the spin-crossover cobalt(II) compound 2. Furthermore, relaxation from metastable to stable states was very slow because of a large structural transition resulting from the long alkyl chains.

Bis[2-(8-quinolylimino-meth-yl)phenolato-κN,N',O]iron(III) azide.

The title compound, [Fe(C(16)H(11)N(2)O)(2)]N(3), consists of a [Fe(qsal)(2)](+) cation [Hqsal = N-(8-quinol-yl)salicylaldimine] and an azide anion. The Fe(III) ion, lying on a twofold rotation axis, is coordinated by four N atoms and two O atoms from two tridentate qsal ligands in an octa-hedral geometry. The mol-ecules are connected into a three-dimensional network by inter-molecular C-H⋯N and C-H⋯O inter-actions. π-π inter-actions [inter-planar distance = 3.58 (1) Å] between the quinoline rings of adjacent mol-ecules further stabilize the crystal structure.

Bis(1H-imidazole-κN){2,2'-[propane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo-methyl-idyne)]diphenolato-κO,N,N',O'}iron(III) perchlorate.

The title compound, [Fe(C(17)H(16)N(2)O(2))(C(3)H(4)N(2))(2)]ClO(4), consists of monomeric [Fe(salmen)(HIm)(2)](+) cations {salmen is the 2,2'-[propane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo-methyl-idyne)]diphen-olate dianion and HIm is 1H-imiazole} and perchlorate anions. In the cation, the Fe(3+) ion is octahedrally coordinated by two N atoms and two O atoms from a tetra-dentate salmen anion and two N atoms from two Him mol-ecules. These ligands are coordinated to the iron ion in a direction perpendicular to the [Fe(salmen)](+) coordination plane. The benzene ring planes in the salmen ligands are oriented nearly parallel to one another inter-molecularly [dihedral angle = 6.36 (3)°]. The dihedral angle between the mean planes through the imidazole rings in the cation is 76.9 (2)°. In the crystal, N-H⋯O inter-actions link the mol-ecules into a one-dimensional double chain running along [101] and C-H⋯O inter-actions link the double chains into a two-dimensional network, running parallel to the ac plane.

Zeolite-supported ultra-small nickel as catalyst for selective oxidation of methane to syngas.

The development of simple catalysts with high performance in the selective oxidation of methane to syngas at low temperature has attracted much attention. Here we report a nickel-based solid catalyst for the oxidation of methane, synthesised by a facile impregnation method. Highly dispersed ultra-small NiO particles of 1.6 nm in size are successfully formed on the MOR-type zeolite. The zeolite-supported nickel catalyst gives continuously 97-98% methane conversion, 91-92% of CO yield with a H2/CO ratio of 2.0, and high durability without serious carbon deposition onto the catalyst at 973 K. DFT calculations demonstrate the effect of NiO particle size on the C-H dissociation process of CH4. A decrease in the NiO particle size enhances the production of oxygen originating from the NiO nanoparticles, which contributes to the oxidation of methane under a reductive environment, effectively producing syngas.

Successful management of aberrant right hepatic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic variants of the biliary tree present challenges to surgical management during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and affect perioperative outcomes. An aberrant right hepatic duct connecting into the cystic duct is a practically important variation because of the susceptibility to serious postoperative refractory bile leakage. We report a successful case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the aberrant right hepatic duct of a patient diagnosed with chronic cystitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old man was referred to our department for treatment of chronic cholecystitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography indicated that the cystic duct branched from the common bile duct and an aberrant bile duct connected to the cystic duct. Intraoperative cholangiography revealed that the bile duct was not confluent to the major right branch of the intrahepatic bile duct and drained a narrow area. Preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography had diagnostic value. Furthermore, intraoperative cholangiography with the Critical View of Safety method was paramount to achieving safe cholecystectomy based on confirmation of the biliary anatomy and the drainage area of the aberrant right hepatic duct. CONCLUSION: We encountered a rare but clinically significant case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This case suggests that precise understanding of the anatomy and drainage area of the aberrant right hepatic duct preoperatively and intraoperatively can lead to safe cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal paraganglioma behind the Spiegel lobe in a kyphotic patient: A rare case report.

Extra-adrenal paraganglioma is a rare form of neuroendocrine neoplasm capable of catecholamine secretion. The surgical risks associated with the tumor location are compounded in this case of a kyphotic patient. This report presents the successful application of laparoscopy on extra-adrenal paraganglioma located behind the Spiegel lobe in a kyphotic patient. The operation was performed after 1 week of α-blocker administration. The laparoscopic approach, with the patient in the left hemilateral decubitus position on a rotating table, provided optimal access for safe tumor resection after complete hepatic right lobe mobilization. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Based on the results, the laparoscopic approach can be a safe and effective method for resecting extra-adrenal paraganglioma in the challenging case of a kyphotic patient.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with psoas abscess and renocolic fistula.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon inflammatory disease of the kidney 1. Diffuse XGP is a rare condition which may spread into the pelvic cavity leading to fatal complications from a psoas muscle abscess and/or renocolic fistula 2. In diffuse type, nephrectomy and excision of the fistula is the recommended treatment.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Combined with CT-GC.

PURPOSE: Despite the widespread use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes, their placement may be associated with a variety of complications, including gastrocolic fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, seven high-risk individuals diagnosed using computed tomography (CT)-gastrocolonography (GC) underwent laparoscopic-assisted PEG (LAPEG) placement. Study endpoints included the success of LAPEG under local anesthetic and intravenous sedation, inability to thread the PEG tube, the eventual tube location, the number of tube adjustments needed, adverse events, the operating time, and PEG tube-related infection. RESULTS: In total, 135 PEG procedures were performed during this study. Successful CT-GC was achieved in all 135 patients, and we successfully used a standard PEG technique to place the gastrostomy tube in 128 patients (95%). In seven patients (5%), the LAPEG technique was used because the transverse colon became interposed between the abdominal wall and the anterior wall of the stomach. LAPEG procedure-related minor complications were observed in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: LAPEG combined with CT-GC can be used for patients with difficult anatomical orientations and may minimize the risk of complications in PEG placement.

Successful treatment of proton pump inhibitor induced sporadic fundic gland polyps with an argon plasma coagulator in a patient with polycythaemia vera.

INTRODUCTION: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with the development of fundic gland polyps (FGPs); discontinuing PPIs is associated with regression of FGPs. Here, we report a rare case of non-respondent FGPs after discontinuation of PPI that were successfully treated using an argon plasma coagulator (APC). PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with a history of polycytheamia vera. She also had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and had been taking 10 mg of omeprazole daily for the past three years. Esophagogastroduedenoscopy (GF) revealed over 100 pedunculated polyps in the gastric body and fundus. Histological examination of the specimens showed dilated oxyntic glands with flattened parietal and mucous cells. Based on these findings and the clinical history, a diagnosis of FGPs was made. Omeprazole use was then discontinued. Repeat GF performed 6 months and 1 year later showed a significant increase in the number and size of the polyps. APC treatment was performed every 6 months for 3 years. Further GF showed a significant decrease in the number and size of the FGPs 4 years after discontinuing PPI. DISCUSSION: We conclude that PPI use is a strong risk factor for the development of FGPs and discontinuing PPI is associated with regression of FGPs, but not in patients with polycythaemia vera. However, the mechanism involved in the interaction between FGP and polycytheamia vera remains unknown. CONCLUSION: Non-respondent FGPs after discontinuation of PPI use may be successfully treated using APC.

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia: fulminant pancolitis.

NOMI is mesenteric hypoperfusion with reactive vascular spasms. Changes in the color of the mucosa may reflect the severity of the ischemia of the colon and the severity of prognosis. Even with surgery, the mortality rate is 75%. Diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion.

Pregabalin- and azithromycin-induced rhabdomyolysis with purpura: An unrecognized interaction: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Rhabdomyolysis associated with the use of pregabalin or azithromycin has been demonstrated to be a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse event. Here, we report an extremely rare case of rhabdomyolysis with purpura in a patient who had used pregabalin and azithromycin. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 75-year-old woman with a history of fibromyalgia who was admitted with mild limb weakness and lower abdominal purpura. She was prescribed pregabalin (75mg, twice daily) for almost 3 months to treat chronic back pain. Her medical history revealed that 3days before admission, she began experiencing acute bronchitis and was treated with a single dose of azithromycin (500mg). She had developed rapid onset severe myalgia, mild whole body edema, muscle weakness leading to gait instability, abdominal purpura and tender purpura on the lower extremities. Laboratory values included a white blood cell count of 25,400/mL and a creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration of 1250 IU/L. Based on these findings and the patient's clinical history, a diagnosis of pregabalin- and azithromycin-induced rhabdomyolysis was made. DISCUSSION: The long-term use of pregabalin and the initiation azithromycin therapy followed by a rapid onset of rhabdomyolysis is indicative of a drug interaction between pregabalin and azithromycin. CONCLUSION: We report an extremely rare case of rhabdomyolysis with purpura caused by a drug interaction between pregabalin and azithromycin. However, the mechanisms of the interactions between azithromycin on the pregabalin are still unknown.