Halopriming in the submergence-tolerant rice variety improved the resilience to salinity and combined salinity-submergence at the seedling stage.

The role of halopriming in alleviating the detrimental effects of salinity and combined salinity-submergence was evaluated using two rice genotypes, "IR06F148" (anaerobic germination + submergence tolerant [Sub1]) and "Salt-star" (salt tolerant) with contrasting levels of tolerance. Nonprimed seeds and those primed with 1% calcium chloride (CaCl2) were germinated, and the seedlings were exposed to salinity (50 or 100 mM sodium chloride [NaCl]) and submergence (nonsaline or saline water). Salinity substantially inhibited plant height, shoot/root dry mass, and leaf area. Priming improved the resilience to 50 mM NaCl by increasing the chlorophyll content and lowering hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production; and to 100 mM NaCl by increasing the total soluble sugars. However, apparent differences in the responses of primed "Salt-star", such as an increase in the Na+, K+, and Ca2+ levels, indicated that halopriming differentially affected the response to salt based on the salinity tolerance of the variety. Submergence reduced the shoot biomass, chlorophyll, and photosynthetic efficiency to a greater extent in "Salt-star" than in "IR06F148". Priming, especially in "Salt-star", caused a lesser reduction in the chlorophyll (Chl) and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) but increased the total soluble sugars post-submergence, indicating a boost in the photosynthetic efficiency. The responses of the two varieties to submergence depended on their tolerance, and halopriming affected each variety differently. The metabolic and molecular changes induced by halopriming in submergence-tolerant rice may be explored further to understand the underlying mechanisms of improved resilience.

Prognostic value of moderate or massive ascites in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Advanced gastric cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy. The available literature does not provide the prognostic value of ascites based on their degree, because most clinical trials exclude patients who present with massive ascites. Therefore, this study examined whether the presence or degree of ascites has a prognostic value in 124 patients with advanced gastric cancer. The degree of ascites was assessed using computed tomography and classified as none, small, moderate or massive. The overall survival (OS) was compared based on the presence or degree of ascites. Furthermore, a Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to ascertain the predictors of OS. The cumulative 1-year and 2-year OS rates in patients without ascites were 43.5 and 20.2%, respectively, whereas those in patients with ascites were 29.1 and 13.6%, respectively (P=0.116). The cumulative 1-year and 2-year OS rates in patients without moderate or massive ascites were 39.5 and 20.9%, respectively; however, those in patients with moderate or massive ascites were 28.0 and 4.0%, respectively (P=0.027). Multivariate analysis showed that diffuse-type [hazard ratio (HR), 1.532; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.002-2.343; P=0.049], moderate or massive ascites (HR, 2.153; 95% CI, 1.301-3.564; P=0.003) and chemotherapy (HR, 0.189; 95% CI, 0.101-0.352; P<0.001) were significant predictive factors of OS. In conclusion, the present study indicated that moderate or massive ascites may influence the OS of patients with advanced gastric cancer.

[A Case of Duodenal Tumor Accompanied by Liver and Lymph Node Metastases after Ten Years of Observation].

A 67-year-old woman presented with a history of upper abdominal pain and weight loss. Physical examination revealed a lump in the right lower quadrant. She had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy at another hospital ten years ago, which showed a 15-mm elevated lesion in the duodenal bulb. The patient had not undergone further examinations or received treatment during the 10 years. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy conducted in our hospital revealed an enlarged tumor that was difficult to assess on the whole image. The tumor was diagnosed as a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma based on a biopsy specimen. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a hypervascular duodenal tumor with liver and lymph node metastases. The patient was treated with capecitabine plus oxaliplatin for the duodenal cancer. Lymph node metastases increased markedly after 2 courses of chemotherapy. The patient died 3 months after the initiation of chemotherapy. The natural history of sporadic non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors remains to be fully elucidated due to the low incidence rate. This case suggests that sporadic non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors have a biological potential for invasive malignancy.

Red dichromatic imaging improves visibility of bleeding during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Bleeding frequently occurs during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and bleeding points are sometimes difficult to detect. Red dichromatic imaging (RDI) was recently developed to improve the visibility of bleeding. Our study aimed at examining the efficacy of RDI in improving the visibility of bleeding during gastric ESD. We retrospectively evaluated the visibility score and color difference of bleeding spot during gastric ESD during September 2020-January 2021. The visibility score was evaluated as four numeric values by operators, and the color difference between the bleeding spot and surroundings was evaluated using RDI and white light imaging (WLI). A further analysis to evaluate bleeding characteristics was performed to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of RDI. Twenty patients with a total of 85 bleedings were analyzed. The mean visibility score in RDI was significantly higher than that in WLI (3.69 ± 0.60 vs 3.20 ± 0.84, p < 0.01). The color difference with RDI was also significantly higher than that with WLI (19.51 ± 15.18 vs 14.80 ± 7.41, p < 0.01). Furthermore, in the bleedings with a higher visibility score in RDI, the color difference in RDI was significantly higher than that in WLI (23.99 ± 19.29 vs 14.33 ± 7.08, p < 0.01). The multivariate analysis of visibility scores revealed that submergence of bleeding points was independently associated with the superiority of RDI (odds ratio 10.35, 95% confidence interval: 2.76-38.81, p < 0.01). Our study demonstrates that RDI can improve the visibility of bleeding during gastric ESD.

Predictors of response to anamorelin in gastrointestinal cancer patients with cachexia: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Anamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, has recently been approved for gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer patients with cachexia in Japan. However, only few studies have investigated the predictors of response to anamorelin in clinical settings. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the predictors of the response, in addition to its efficacy and safety. METHODS: The clinical outcomes of 20 patients were evaluated during administration. They were divided into two groups based on lean body mass, responders and non-responders, and their clinical characteristics were compared. RESULTS: The mean ± standard error (SE) variations at 12 weeks in lean body mass and handgrip strength were 2.63 ± 0.79 kg and - 1.53 ± 1.20 kg, respectively. The mean ± SE variations at 8 weeks in fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c were 32.88 ± 13.77 mg/dL and 0.90 ± 0.18%, respectively. Total protein, albumin, transferrin, and prognostic nutritional index at baseline were significantly higher in responders (n = 8) than in non-responders (n = 12), whereas the neutrophil/lymphocyte and C-reactive protein/albumin ratios at baseline were significantly higher in non-responders than in responders. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed the efficacy and safety of anamorelin and identified nutritional or systemic inflammatory markers as predictors of anamorelin response in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Rectal administration of low-dose diclofenac does not reduce post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a popular technique; however, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) remains a major adverse event. The administration of rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is reportedly effective in preventing PEP. However, the recommended dose varies and the efficacy of low-dose rectal NSAIDs remains unclear. Therefore, we decided to investigate the effectiveness of low-dose rectal diclofenac on PEP prevention, using propensity score matching. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 401 patients who underwent ERCP between July 2015 and March 2020. After December 2016, we administered rectal diclofenac within 30 min before the ERCP procedure as widely as possible. Patients were divided into those who did (diclofenac group) and did not (control group) receive rectal diclofenac. Patients weighing ≥ 50 kg were administered a 50 mg dose, while those weighing < 50 kg were administered a 25 mg dose. The incidence and severity of PEP in the two groups were assessed by propensity score matching analysis. RESULTS: Among 401 patients undergoing ERCP, 367 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall, 187 patients received rectal diclofenac (diclofenac group) and 180 did not (control group). After propensity score matching, 105 pairs were selected for evaluation. Overall, seven (6.7%) patients in the diclofenac group and 10 (9.5%) in the control group developed PEP (P = 0.45). Moderate or severe PEP occurred in four (3.8%) patients in the diclofenac group and six (5.7%) in the control group (P = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of low-dose rectal diclofenac could not reduce the incidence and severity of PEP.

Spontaneous regression in solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of pancreas.

A solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm that mainly occurs in young women. We herein report the case of spontaneous regression in SPN of the pancreas. A 48-years-old female was found to have a mass in the head of the pancreas on examination for her back pain and referred to our hospital in 20XX. Laboratory data showed no abnormalities in serum levels of pancreatic enzymes and tumor markers. A contrast CT scan of upper abdomen showed a slightly enhanced lesion (23 × 19 mm in diameter) without cystic component or fibrous capsule in the head of the pancreas. An MRI scan showed the mass as low-intensity in T1-WI and high-intensity in T2-WI. She admitted to our hospital for further examination of a pancreatic mass by EUS-FNA in 20XX + 4. EUS showed a slightly hypoechoic mass (30 × 19 mm in diameter) compared with the neighboring normal pancreas. Tumor margin was relatively clear and the internal echo image was homogenous. Histological findings revealed a solid and pseudopapillary proliferation of eosinophilic polygonal cells with oval nuclei. The tumor cells were positive for vimentin and CD10 in the cytoplasm and ß-catenin in the nuclei, which led to the diagnosis of SPN. We recommended this patient to undergo surgical resection, however, the patient chose follow-up examinations. Follow-up study after 1 year using MRI scan showed spontaneous regression, which was coincided with her menopause. These findings suggest that the natural regression of SPN may occur and female sex hormone changes may regulate the growth of SPN.

Autopsy of a Patient with Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma with Findings Resembling Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare pancreatic malignancy, reportedly accounting for only 0.2-0.7% of all primary pancreatic tumors. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is often difficult to distinguish from other diseases, such as acute pancreatitis. We herein report the autopsy of a patient with primary pancreatic lymphoma with imaging findings resembling those of severe acute pancreatitis, with a focus on the gross and histological features.

Steroid therapy has an acceptable role as the initial treatment in autoimmune pancreatitis patients with pancreatic cyst formation: Based on a Japanese nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: We attempted to determine the indications and limitations of steroid therapy as the first-line therapy in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) with cyst formation (ACF). METHODS: This Japanese multicenter survey was conducted to examine the merits/demerits of steroid treatment as the initial therapy for ACF. RESULTS: Data of a total of 115 patients with ACF were analyzed. Complete remission was achieved in 86% (86/100) of patients who had received steroid treatment, but only 33.3% (5/15) of patients who had not received steroids. Relapse after the remission (n = 86) occurred in 7.6% (6/86) of patients who had received steroid therapy, but 40% (2/5) of patients who had not received steroid therapy. Multivariate analysis identified adoption of the wait and watch approach without steroid treatment (odds ratio = 0.126, P < .001) as a significant and independent negative predictor of remission of ACF. As for predictors of relapse, the presence of varix (odds ratio = 5.83, P = .036) was identified as an independent risk factor. CONCLUSION: Steroid therapy plays an important role as first-line therapy in AIP patients with pancreatic cyst formation, however, varix formation, besides the diameter of the cyst(s), is a risk factor for refractoriness to steroid therapy.

Spatial O2 Profile in Coix lacryma-jobi and Sorghum bicolor along the Gas Diffusion Pathway under Waterlogging Conditions.

While internal aeration in plants is critical for adaptation to waterlogging, there is a gap in understanding the differences in oxygen diffusion gradients from shoots to roots between hypoxia-tolerant and -sensitive species. This study aims to elucidate the differences in tissue oxygen concentration at various locations on the shoot and root between a hypoxia-tolerant species and a -sensitive species using a microneedle sensor that allows for spatial oxygen profiling. Job's tears, a hypoxia-tolerant species, and sorghum, a hypoxia-susceptible species, were tested. Plants aged 10 days were acclimated to a hypoxic agar solution for 12 days. Oxygen was profiled near the root tip, root base, root shoot junction, stem, and leaf. An anatomical analysis was also performed on the roots used for the O2 profile. The oxygen partial pressure (pO2) values at the root base and tip of sorghum were significantly lower than that of the root of Job's tears. At the base of the root of Job's tears, pO2 rapidly decreased from the root cortex to the surface, indicating a function to inhibit oxygen leakage. No significant differences in pO2 between the species were identified in the shoot part. The root cortex to stele ratio was significantly higher from the root tip to the base in Job's tears compared to sorghum. The pO2 gradient began to differ greatly at the root shoot junction and root base longitudinally, and between the cortex and stele radially, between Job's tears and sorghum. Differences in the root oxygen retention capacity and the cortex to stele ratio are considered to be related to differences in pO2.

Over-the-scope clip closure of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcer in a patient with bleeding tendency.

A man in his 70s, with a history of dementia and aplastic anemia, was diagnosed with a gastric tumor. Thrombocytopenia due to aplastic anemia may cause bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection. Then, ulcer closure using the over-the-scope clip system was performed for prevention of post-operative bleeding.

Different survival strategies involve carbon translocation rather than de novo C assimilation under complete submergence in rice plant.

This study investigated the effect of transient submergence on the recovery of photosynthetic activity and translocation of photosynthate in IR67520 (Sub1A genotype) and IR72442 (non-Sub1A genotype) using 13C-labeled tracer, coupled with some photosynthetic physiological assessments. Plant growth, photosynthetic capacity, and photosynthetic recovery were studied by treating the two rice genotypes without or completely submerged for 7 days in transparent acrylic tanks filled with water to a depth of 80 cm, followed by 7 days of reaeration. Results revealed that the IR67520 was able to obtain new carbon source for assimilation during at 7 days of recovery periods. The IR72442 genotype partitioned 13C to the newly developed upper leaves more than the IR67520 genotype did. This was due to its inability to obtain CO2 from other source during post submergence. Recovery of chlorophyll content, ability to retain higher biomass, and ability to grow faster at 7 days of recovery periods also indicated the ability of Sub1A genotype to reactivate its photosynthetic capacity.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chronic pancreatitis 2021.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is defined according to the recently proposed mechanistic definition as a pathological fibro-inflammatory syndrome of the pancreas in individuals with genetic, environmental, and/or other risk factors who develop persistent pathological responses to parenchymal injury or stress. METHODS: The clinical practice guidelines for CP in Japan were revised in 2021 based on the 2019 Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria for CP, which incorporate the concept of a pathogenic fibro-inflammatory syndrome in the pancreas. In this third edition, clinical questions are reclassified into clinical questions, background questions, and future research questions. RESULTS: Based on analysis of newly accumulated evidence, the strength of evidence and recommendations for each clinical question is described in terms of treatment selection, lifestyle guidance, pain control, treatment of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, and treatment of complications. A flowchart outlining indications, treatment selection, and policies for cases in which treatment is ineffective is provided. For pain control, pharmacological treatment and the indications and timing for endoscopic and surgical treatment have been updated in the revised edition. CONCLUSIONS: These updated guidelines provide clinicians with useful information to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of CP.

Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Agaricus blazei Murill in a Patient with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Receiving Gemcitabine-Based Therapy.

A male in his sixties with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was administered gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel therapy. Computed tomography (CT) scans after five courses revealed nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis in addition to PDAC aggravation. No evidence of respiratory infection was detected, and his condition was stable and asymptomatic at diagnosis. Sputum test and interferon-gamma release assay revealed no evidence of tuberculosis. Through careful history taking, the patient was found to be taking dietary supplementation with Agaricus blazei Murill extract for approximately 1 month. Drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation tests for gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel were negative, whereas those for Agaricus blazei Murill were positive. CT scans after withdrawal showed improved pneumonitis. These findings suggest a possibility that the dietary supplementation may lead to drug-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD). This patient indicates that pertinent diagnostic interviews are essential for the identification of drug-induced ILD.

Combinational Variation Temperature and Soil Water Response of Stomata and Biomass Production in Maize, Millet, Sorghum and Rice.

Environmental responses of stomatal conductance (gs) as basic information for a photosynthesis-transpiration-coupled model have been increasing under global warming. This study identified the impact of gs behavior under different soil water statuses and temperatures in rice, maize, millet, and sorghum. The experiments consisted of various soil moisture statuses from flooding to drying and combination of soil moisture status and temperature. There was a reduction in shoot biomass of maize and sorghum caused by decreasing of gs, photosynthesis (A), and transpiration (E) in early imposed waterlogging without dependent temperature, whereas millet and rice were dependent on temperature variation. The effect of gradual soil drying, gs, A, and E of maize, millet, and sorghum were caused by low temperature, except rice. The impact of the combination of various soil water statuses and temperatures on gs is important for the trade-off between A and E, and consequently shoot biomass. However, we discovered that an ability to sustain gs is essential for photo assimilation and maintaining leaf temperature through evapotranspiration for biomass production, a mechanism of crop avoidance in variable soil water status and temperature.

Microbiological analysis of patients with first and recurrent episodes of acute cholangitis in a middle-sized hospital: A single-center retrospective study in rural North Kyoto, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the bacterial spectrum involved in acute cholangitis is essential for adequate empiric antibiotic treatment. There is a lack of published data comparative data between patients with first and recurrent episodes of acute cholangitis. This study aimed to analyze the microbial spectrum in patients with first and second episodes of acute cholangitis. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 251 patients with first episodes of acute cholangitis between January 2014 to September 2020. RESULTS: At the first episode of acute cholangitis, the predominant strains belonged to Escherichia coli (17.9%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (15.5%), Enterobacter spp. (6.4%), and Enterococcus spp. (5.6%). During follow-up, acute cholangitis recurred in 109 patients; at the second episode, the predominant strains belonged to Enterococcus spp. (35.8%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (27.5%), Enterobacter spp. (22.9%), and Escherichia coli (15.6%). Enterococcus spp. were the most common pathogen in patients with second episode of acute cholangitis, regardless of whether the cholangitis was caused by a malignant tumor or a benign disease. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike in patients with a first episode of acute cholangitis, clinicians should consider empirical treatment with anti-enterococcal antibiotics in patients with recurrent episodes of acute cholangitis.

Concordance of the histological diagnosis of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis and its distinction from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy specimens: an interobserver agreement study.

The histological diagnosis of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) based on the findings obtained by an endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) is feasible, but the diagnostic consistency of this method has not been confirmed. We determined the interobserver agreement among 20 pathologists regarding the diagnosis of type 1 AIP, including the distinction from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using large tissue samples obtained by EUS-FNB. After guidance for diagnosing AIP with biopsy tissues was provided, a round 2 was performed. The median sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing PDAC vs. non-neoplastic diseases were 95.2% and 100%, respectively. In groups of specialists (n = 7) and the generalists (n = 13), Fleiss' к-values increased from 0.886 to 0.958 and from 0.750 to 0.816 in round 2. The concordance was fair or moderate for obliterative phlebitis and storiform fibrosis but slight for ductal lesion of type 1 AIP. Discordant results were due to ambiguous findings and biopsy tissue limitations. Among the specialists, the ratio of cases with perfect agreement regarding the presence of storiform fibrosis increased in round 2, but agreement regarding obliterative phlebitis or ductal lesions was not improved. Although the histological definite diagnosis of type 1 AIP was achieved by most observers in > 60% of the cases, the confidence levels varied. Because some ambiguities exist, the histological diagnostic levels based on the diagnostic criteria of type 1 AIP should not be taken for granted. Guidance is effective for improving accurate PDAC diagnoses (notably by recognizing acinar-ductal metaplasia) and for evaluating storiform fibrosis.

Depletion of Psoas Muscle Mass after Systemic Chemotherapy Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer.

The impact of the psoas muscle mass index (PMI) on survival is still poorly understood in unresectable pancreatic cancer. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether the PMI at diagnosis or its decrease during chemotherapy can influence the prognosis of unresectable pancreatic cancer. The data of 100 patients were analyzed, and they were divided into two groups according to the median PMI in each sex. Subsequently, 72 patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) within 30-100 days from CT at diagnosis were evaluated in terms of PMI change rate, and divided into two groups based on the median. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes in terms of the PMI at diagnosis or its decrease during chemotherapy. The median PMI was 5.00 in males, and 3.66 in females. The median overall survival (OS) was 278.0 days in the high-PMI group and 221.0 days in the low-PMI group (p = 0.329). The median PMI change rate was -2.4%. The median OS was 347.0 days in the group without PMI decrease and 172.0 days in the group with PMI decrease (p = 0.001). We determined that a pivotal prognostic factor was not the PMI at diagnosis, but rather PMI decrease during chemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer.