[A Case of Laparoscopic Resection Following Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy of a Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer after a Prior Endoscopic Curative Resection].

A man in his seventies underwent endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)of a rectal cancer 3 years ago. Histopathological examination showed that the specimen had been resected curatively. However, a routine follow-up colonoscopy revealed a submucosal mass on the EMR scar. Computed tomography imaging revealed a mass in the posterior wall of the rectum, with suspected invasion of the sacrum. We performed a biopsy during endoscopic ultrasonography and diagnosed a local recurrence of the rectal cancer. After preoperative chemoradiotherapy(CRT), laparoscopic low anterior resection with ileostomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed invasion of the rectal wall from the muscularis propria to the adventitia and tissue fibrosis at the radial margin, which was devoid of cancerous cells. Subsequently, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with uracil/tegafur and leucovorin for 6 months. No recurrence has been reported over a postoperative follow- up period of 4 years. Preoperative CRT may be an effective treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer after endoscopic resection.

[A Case Report of Rectal MiNEN Laparoscopic Resection].

A 74-year-old woman underwent colonoscopy for positive fecal occult blood test. A colonoscopy revealed a Type 1 tumor in the rectosigmoid region. The tumor was diagnosed as well-differentiated adenocarcinoma(tub1)by biopsy. Laparoscopic high anterior resection was performed. The final diagnosis was MiNEN(adenocarcinoma:NEC=6:4), RS, pT4a(SE), INF c, Ly1c, V1b, Pn1b, BD2, pN2a(5/28), cM0, pStage Ⅲc. All lymph node metastases were of NEC origin. This case was considered to be at high risk of recurrence and require adjuvant chemotherapy focused on NEC. She was referred to an advanced medical institution for carboplatin and etoposide therapy. MiNEN is a rare disease, and has a poor prognosis. In order to establish a therapeutic strategy of MiNEN, it is important to accumulate further cases and evidence.

[A Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung from Gastrointestinal Perforation Due to Small Intestinal Metastasis].

An 80s male, with a medical history of hypertension, hyperuricemia, and atrial fibrillation, visited our emergency outpatient department with vomiting and diarrhea as the chief complaint in August 2017. The blood examination revealed a high level of inflammatory reaction. The plain abdominal CT revealed fluid retention contacting the small intestine and intraabdominal free gas. We diagnosed the case as a small intestinal perforation, following which we performed emergency surgery. The small intestine was perforated, and an abscess cavity was formed between the transverse mesocolon and mesentery proper. Thus, the abscess was removed, and about 30 cm of the small intestine, including the perforated site, was resected, followed by the reconstruction. The resected specimens revealed squamous cell carcinoma at the small intestinal perforated site. Lung squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed by subsequent chest CT and immunostaining. We administered 3 courses of chemotherapy combined with carboplatin and albumin-bound paclitaxel. Although the effect was partially observed, interstitial pneumonia occurred, which was inferred to be drug-induced. The patient died in 195 days following the surgery. Herein, we reported a case of lung cancer, which was diagnosed on the detection of gastrointestinal perforation caused by a small intestinal metastasis.

[Two Cases of Laparoscopic Partial Resection of Stomach Using a Trans-Gastric Wall Approach for Submucosal Tumors].

We performed laparoscopic partial resection of the stomach with a trans-gastric wall approach for submucosal tumors. Case 1: A 67-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of tarry stool. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a well demarcated, round, 45mm intraluminal-type submucosal tumor with delle on the anterior wall of the gastric upper body. Case 2: An 86-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of anemia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a well demarcated, round, 25mm intraluminal-type submucosal tumor on the posterior wall of the gastric upper body. Laparoscopic partial resection of the stomach with a trans-gastric wall approach was performed. The operation times were 58 minutes and 73 minutes, respectively, and blood loss was low in both cases. This operative procedure is safe and easy and allows for resection resected with a direct view for surgeons without endoscopists.

Force-generating capacity of the toe flexor muscles and dynamic function of the foot arch in upright standing.

The muscle and tendon complex of the foot helps to support the foot arch and generates the muscle force of the foot. The present study investigated the force-generating capacity of the toe flexor muscles and the dynamic function of the foot arch when standing upright, and the relationships between these indices. The maximum toe flexor force and foot arch height in the sitting and standing positions were studied in the left and right feet of 224 healthy young individuals. To measure the maximum isometric force of the toe flexor muscles, the subjects exerted maximum force on a toe grip dynamometer. Measurements were repeated three times with at least a 1-min rest period between bouts, and the maximum value among the measurements for each foot was used for further analysis. The absolute value of the toe flexor strength was normalised by body mass. The foot arch height was measured the distance between the tuberosity of the navicular bone and the floor, and normalised by height. The relative foot arch height difference between the sitting and standing positions was evaluated as the foot arch dynamics. The maximum isometric toe flexor strength was 42% higher in the standing position than in the sitting position. There was no relationship between the relative toe flexor strength and the relative foot arch height in either the sitting or standing positions; however, the relative increase in toe flexor strength from sitting to standing (the force amplification factor) was related to the foot arch dynamics, and the flexible foot arch showed a greater increase in the toe flexor strength from sitting to standing compared with the strength in the stiff foot arch. The results of this study suggest that the force-generating capacity of the toe flexor muscles is augmented by bodyweight bearing in upright standing. Additionally, the force amplification mechanism is mechanically regulated by the dynamic function of the foot arch in conjunction with the stretching of the muscle-tendon complex of the foot.

Toe Flexor Muscle Strength and Morphological Characteristics of the Foot in Judo Athletes.

Whether practicing in judo influences the muscle strength and morphological characteristics of the foot is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the toe flexor muscle strength and morphological characteristics of the foot in judo athletes. Judo athletes (JUDO, men=24) and age-, gender- and body mass-matched physically active healthy subjects (CON, men=24) were recruited, and their toe flexor strength and morphological characteristics of the foot were compared. The maximum isometric toe flexor strength and foot intrinsic muscle thicknesses were measured using a toe grip dynamometer and a B-mode ultrasound, respectively. Foot arch height was assessed as the distance between the navicular tuberosity of the foot and the floor in the sitting and standing positions. JUDO showed a significantly lower foot arch height and smaller foot arch index than CON, whereas foot length and muscle thickness did not significantly differ between groups. The toe flexor strength relative to total muscle thickness was significantly larger in JUDO than CON. The foot arch dynamics was significantly larger in JUDO than CON. This study suggests that exercise training specific to judo may affect the force-generating capacity, morphological structure and arch function of the foot.

[Two Cases of Resectable Intra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumor after Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer].

Case 1: A 52-year-old man underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. After 2 years, a follow-up computed tomography(CT)scan showed a large, solid 10 cm-sized mass in his left upper abdomen. Under the diagnosis of a suspected mesenchymal tumor, a tumor resection with a partial resection of the upper jejunum and transverse colon was performed. Case 2: A 61-year-old man underwent laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer. After 1.5 years, follow-up CT showed a tumor of 2 cm in diameter near the greater curvature side of the upper stomach. Under the diagnosis of a suspected gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST), a laparoscopic partial resection of the stomach was performed. Histologically, spindle-shaped cells without atypia and rich collagen fibers were observed, and the sample was positive for b-catenin by immunostaining in both cases; from this evidence, the patients were diagnosed with desmoid tumors. Desmoid tumors have invasive proliferation characteristics, and treatment requires consideration of the balance between securing a surgical margin and increasing surgical stress.

Characteristics and distributions of myofascial trigger points in individuals with chronic tension-type headaches.

[Purpose] To investigate the characteristics and distributions of the myofascial trigger point (TrP) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the active TrP in individuals with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). [Participants and Methods] Fifty-three CTTH patients and 53 age and gender-matched individuals without CTTH (CON) were recruited. The TrPs and tenderness points were first identified by manual palpation, and the PPTs of the active TrPs were determined by using a manual algometer. [Results] The active TrP, latent TrP and tenderness point totals per person in the head, neck, shoulder and upper back in CTTH were 4.3 ± 2.1, 0.6 ± 1.0 and 1.9 ± 1.8, respectively, while those in CON were 0, 0.7 ± 1.5 and 1.9 ± 1.8, respectively. The PPT levels of the active TrPs were 0.7 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.6 kg/cm2 in the muscles of the head, neck, shoulder and upper back. A larger number of active TrPs and lower PPT levels of the active TrPs were found in the head, neck and shoulder regions than in the upper back region. [Conclusion] Lower PPTs of the active TrPs in the head, neck and shoulder regions could influence the individuals with CTTH.

Non-linear growth trends of toe flexor muscle strength among children, adolescents, and young adults: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: There are only a few studies on the muscular strength of the foot in children and adolescents; thus, the developmental pattern and normative data of these populations during growth are unclear. We sought to elucidate the developmental pattern of the foot muscle strength among children, adolescents, and young adults compared with that of the hand. METHODS: A total of 747 children, adolescents, and young adults participated in this study, and their maximum isometric toe flexor strength (TFS), hand grip strength (HGS), and foot length were measured. RESULTS: TFS was correlated with HGS (r = 0.785), age (r = 0.659), height (r = 0.757), body mass (r = 0.737), and foot length (r = 0.594). Multiple regression analyses revealed that TFS was correlated with age (ß = 0.243 in boys; ß = 0.461 in girls), squared value of age (age2; ß = - 0.296 in boys; ß = - 0.260 in girls), and body mass (ß = 0.256 in boys; ß = 0.311 in girls) in both sexes, indicating a non-linear relationship between age and TFS development. In a regression model for HGS, age was a significant variable, but not age2. HGS increased linearly from childhood until young adulthood, whereas TFS increased from childhood until adolescence and then levelled off. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that TFS has a different developmental pattern compared with HGS.

An exploration of the relationship between foot skin temperature and blood flow in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] The current study aimed to investigate the reliability of infrared thermography as a method of determining foot skin temperature, and to determine the relationship between foot skin temperature and blood flow in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. [Participants and Methods] Eighty-five patients were recruited and their foot skin temperature and the ankle brachial index (ABI) were measured using infrared thermography and an automated oscillometry, respectively. A correlation between foot skin temperature and blood flow was performed. The patients were screened and classified according to two groups; diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and non-DPN. Discriminant validity was determined by comparing the foot skin temperature between the two groups. [Results] The test-retest reliability of foot skin temperature was high. A positive correlation was found between foot skin temperature and ABI in both feet. The foot skin temperatures in the DPN group were found to be significant lower when compared with those in the non-DPN group. [Conclusion] Foot skin temperature is an indirect method of evaluating blood flow in the feet of diabetic patients and can be used as a clinical outcome measurement of treatments used to improve blood flow in type 2 DM patients.

Effects of Combined Exercise Training on Functional Performance in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized-Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined exercise training on functional performance in participants with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Fifteen participants with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly allocated into either exercise or control groups. Participants in the exercise group participated in a combined strength and endurance training program for 70 minutes per day, 3 days per week, for 8 weeks, whereas those in the control group did not participate in an exercise program. Study participants in both groups continued with their regular physical therapy during the study. RESULTS: After the 8-week training, a 6-minute walk, 30-second sit-to-stand, 10-m walk, and Functional Reach Tests, participants in the exercise group had significant improvement over their baseline values and were significantly higher than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Combined exercise training improved walking ability, functional lower limb strength, and balance in participants with cerebral palsy.

[Laparoscopic Lymphadenectomy without Gastrectomy for Lymph Nodes Recurrence after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)].

A case oflaparoscopic lymphadenectomy in a patient with lymph node recurrence after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)is presented. A 77-year-old man underwent ESD for gastric cancer. After 2 years, the patient was referred to our hospital with the diagnosis of lymph node recurrence. We offered radical surgery, including gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy; however, this suggestion was denied by the patient because ofstrong anxiety for gastrectomy. As an alternative therapy, laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for the limited area of high recurrence, without gastrectomy, was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day and remains cancer-free over 2 years after the operation. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for high risk area of recurrence may be considered in frail elderly patients to avoid the high burden ofgastrectomy.

Evaluation of bilateral force deficit in shoulder flexion using a handheld dynamometer in healthy subjects.

[Purpose] This study aimed to develop a simple, inexpensive, and accurate method for measuring the strength of shoulder flexion (Experiment 1) and evaluate the bilateral force deficit in shoulder flexion (Experiment 2) in healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] In Experiment 1, maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) in isometric shoulder flexion were measured on both sides using an isometric dynamometer (ID) and a hand-grip dynamometer (HGD), as an alternative dynamometer, in six subjects. In Experiment 2, bilateral force deficit was evaluated using HGD in 21 subjects who performed unilateral and bilateral MVCs in isometric flexions of the shoulder. The peak value of electromyography (PVE) in the lateral head of the biceps brachii and anterior deltoid was measured during MVCs. [Results] In Experiment 1, ID and HGD showed almost similar coefficients of variation. A strong positive correlation was found between the values obtained using the two methods. In Experiment 2, the bilateral force deficit in shoulder flexion associated with a reduced PVE (‒10.9%) was found in 85.7% of subjects. [Conclusion] The reproducibility of measurements was similar between ID and HGD. HGD could evaluate the bilateral force deficit in shoulder flexion and is a practical tool for measuring shoulder strength.

[A Case of Curatively Resected Goblet Cell Carcinoid of the Appendix Diagnosed via Intraoperative Frozen Sectional Examination].

A 52-year-old patient presented with epigastric pain.An enhanced CT scan showed a strongly enhanced appendix with abscess formation.Appendectomy was performed under the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with perityphlitic abscess.The stump of the appendix was white and hard, suggesting malignant transformation.Intraoperative frozen sectional examination indicated goblet cell carcinoid(GCC)of the appendix.Thereafter, we performed ileocecal resection with lymphadenectomy (D3).The final pathological diagnosis was GCC, pSS, pN1, Stage III a by the Japanese classification of colorectal carcinoma. Immunohistochemical examination was consistent with GCC including synaptophysin(+), chromogranin A(+), somatostatin receptor(SSTR)2(±), SSTR5(+), and cytokeratin 20(+).The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and remains cancer-free over 5 years after the operation.

[Simultaneous Laparoscopic Resection of Gastric Cancer and Hepatocellular Carcinoma].

A report of simultaneous laparoscopic resection for a patient with synchronous gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)is presented.A 76-year-old man was referred to our hospital for gastric cancer located in the antrum.In the preoperative examination, enhanced CT and MRI revealed a liver tumor located at S2 that had high contrast enhancement in the arterial phase but that was not washed out in the delayed phase.An early HCC was suspected, and simultaneous laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and partial resection of the liver was performed.The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 14th postoperative day.Simultaneous laparoscopic resection of gastric cancer and HCC is possible with special attention to surgical procedures and port settings.

[A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer with Extensive Lymph Node Metastases Treated by Capecitabine plus Cisplatin plus Trastuzumab Chemotherapy,Followed by Conversion Surgery].

An 82-year-old woman underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to evaluate upper abdominal pain.A type 2 tumor (adenocarcinoma, por, HER2+)was found in the lesser curvature of the gastric antrum.Abdominal CT showed bulky lymph node metastases and pancreatic invasion of lymph node No.6 , resulting in a diagnosis of cT3N3M0, Stage III B.Radical resection was not possible by gastrectomy, and chemotherapy(capecitabine plus cisplatin plus trastuzumab)was administered. The primary lesion and lymph node showed significant regression on CT after the administration of 8 courses of chemotherapy, which also clarified the border between the lymph node and pancreas.At this stage, it was determined that radical resection was feasible; distal gastrectomy(Roux-en-Y reconstruction)and D2 dissection and cholecystectomy were performed.No cancer cells were found in the primary lesion on histopathology.The therapeutic effect of preoperative chemotherapy was assessed as Grade 3, pCR, and retained tumor was only found in lymph node No.5 . On follow-up observation, the patient is alive 11 months after surgery, with no evidence of recurrence without neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

[Synchronous Triple Malignant Tumors (Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma, Ascending Colon Cancer, Liposarcoma) Resected in a Two-Stage Procedure--A Case Report].

A 70-year-old man with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and taking 2 antiplatelet drugs was diagnosed with anemia his 6-month post-MI checkup. A lower gastrointestinal endoscopy detected ascending colon cancer, and contrast-enhanced a computed tomography scan revealed hilar cholangiocarcinoma as well as lesions suspicious for gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the small intestine. The patient was given a preoperative diagnosis of synchronous triple malignant tumors. The decision to perform a two-stage procedure was made for the following reasons: the impossibility of discontinuing antiplatelet drugs 6 months after drug-eluting stent placement, continuous bleeding due to colon cancer and the possibility of suffering severe stress from surgery while at high risk for diseases such as hepatic failure. In the initial procedure, a right hemicolectomy and surgical resection of the mesenteric tumor (later diagnosed as a liposarcoma) were performed after portal vein embolization. Confirmation of an enlarged residual liver was confirmed 2 months after the initial procedure. The patient underwent right hepatectomy and resection of the extrahepatic bile duct and the biliary tract was surgically reconstructed. Safe resection of tumors was successfully performed by choosing a two-stage procedure for triple malignancy, including hilar cholangiocarcinoma, ascending colon cancer, and liposarcoma, in a single patient.

[A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer for Which Curative Resection Was Performed, Despite CEA Elevation].

A 32-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the complaint of epigastric pain. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 5 advanced gastric cancer at the posterior wall of the antrum. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasonography showed a fluid collection, indicating peritoneal metastasis. CEA levels were elevated, at 16.5 ng/mL. A diagnosis was made of cStage Ⅳ (T4aN3H0P1M1), and he underwent first-line chemotherapy using CDDP and S-1. However, this immediately failed with the severe adverse effect of vomiting.Docetaxel and S-1 were adopted as second-line chemotherapy. Since progression of the disease was confirmed after 8 cycles of second-line chemotherapy, nab-paclitaxel was administered as third-line chemotherapy. Despite a trend of increasing CEA after 4 cycles of third-line chemotherapy, CT revealed a tumor volume reduction as well as the disappearance of the fluid collection, after which staging laparoscopy was performed. Based on the finding that non-curative factors such as fluid collection and peritoneal nodules were not observed, distal gastrectomy was performed. Histopathological examination showed a ypStage ⅠA (T1bN0H0P0M0)tumor with a grade 3 therapeutic response to chemotherapy.The patient is currently doing well with no recurrence 11 months after the operation.

[A Case of Pathological Complete Response after Primary Tumor Resection Followed by Hepatectomy-A Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases].

The case is of a 62-year-old man with no medical history and no family history.A type 2 tumor was found in the entire circumference of the sigmoid colon by colonoscopy after a positive result on a fecal occult blood test, and 5 liver metastases were recognized in both lobes of the liver by using contrast-enhanced CT.He was first treated by primary tumor resection. Subsequently, 5-fluorouracil/l-leucovorin/oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) plus bevacizumab (BV) was started 1 month after the surgery and a total of 8 cycles of mFOLFOX6 plus BV were administered without any adverse events.On CT assessment after the chemotherapy, the patient was diagnosed with stable disease according to RECIST guidelines since the size of the tumor only showed a slight reduction.However, it was considered to be an optimal response based on the morphologic criteria. Thereafter, a medial segmentectomy and partial resection of the liver was performed.A mucus reservoir was found in the tumor site, and no viable tumor cells were detected pathologically, which confirmed the pathological complete response with mFOLFOX6 plus BV.

Effects of Thai massage on physical fitness in soccer players.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Thai massage on physical fitness in soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-four soccer players were randomly assigned to receive either rest (the control group) or three 30-minute sessions of Thai massage over a period of 10 days. Seven physical fitness tests consisting of sit and reach, hand grip strength, 40 yards technical agility, 50-meter sprint, sit-ups, push-ups, and VO2, max were measured before and after Thai massage or rest. [Results] All the physical fitness tests were significantly improved after a single session of Thai massage, whereas only the sit and reach, and the sit-ups tests were improved in the control group. [Conclusion] Thai massage could provide an improvement in physical performance in soccer players.