[Present state and prospects of adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer]

In Japan, a one-year administration of S-1 is the standard adjuvant treatment for stage II/III gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy with a D2 lymph-node dissection.The treatment is recommended in the Japanese Guidelines for Treatment of Gastric Cancer(3rd Edition).Using data from results of a 5-year follow-up of the ACTS-GC trial, it was confirmed that using S-1 significantly improves the 5-year overall survival over surgery alone.However, the recurrence rate of stage III gastric cancer is still too high.More powerful treatment using multiple drugs is needed for this disease.This paper presents a new perspective for the development of post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy in the future, based on clinical trials recently reported.

[Stanford type A acute aortic dissection with congenital complete absence of the left pericardium; report of a case]

A 52-year-old woman who presented with acute onset of chest pain was diagnosed with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection by computed tomography at another hospital. She was referred to our department for emergency surgery. The left pericardium visualized via a median sternotomy was clearly defective, and the left phrenic nerve was located ventral to the defect. The ascending aorta and total arch were replaced with an aortic valve and a prosthetic graft, respectively. Postoperative chest radiography excluded left phrenic nerve palsy. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 17.

Hexabromocyclododecane determination in seafood samples collected from Japanese coastal areas

The levels of three hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) isomers and ΣHBCDs in 54 wild and 11 farmed seafood samples collected from four regions of Japan were determined by LC/MS/MS. For the fish classified as Anguilliformes, Perciformes, Clupeiformes and farmed Salmoniformes, the medians (ranges) of ΣHBCDs are 2.09 (0.05-36.9), 0.75 (ND-26.2), 0.12 (0.09-77.3) and 1.29 (1.09-1.34) ng g(-1)ww, respectively. However, HBCDs were not detected in samples classified as Crustacea, Mollusca, Pleuronectiformes and Scorpaeniformes, or if detected, the levels were very low. The rank correlation between ΣHBCDs (or α-HBCD) and fat content could not be found except for the Japanese sea bass of the Tohoku region. In HBCD isomer profiles, for fish samples above 20 ng g(-1)ww, the trend was found that γ-HBCD was predominant, which suggests the influence of discharge from a nearby industrial plant. In the other wild fish and the farmed fish samples, on the other hand, α-HBCD was mostly predominant, which suggests biomagnification via the food chain. Additionally, to assess the risk to human health, based on the determined HBCD median concentrations for Anguilliformes, farmed Salmoniformes and Perciformes, the daily intake of HBCDs from fish by an average Japanese adult was tentatively calculated to be 3.7, 2.3 and 1.3 ng (kg body weight)(-1) d(-1), respectively.

Association of the Jun dimerization protein 2 gene with intracranial aneurysms in Japanese and Korean cohorts as compared to a Dutch cohort

In a previous study a linkage region for association to IA patients was found on chromosome 14q22. In this study, we report the findings of a positional candidate gene, Jun dimerization Protein 2 (JDP2), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of that gene that are associated with intracranial aneurysms in different ethnic populations. We screened the linkage region around chromosome 14q22 and narrowed it down to JDP2. We then genotyped case and control groups of three different ethnic populations: 403 Japanese intracranial aneurysm (IA) cases and 412 controls, 181 Korean IA cases and 181 controls, 379 Dutch cases and 642 Dutch controls. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing technology. The allele distribution of three SNPs (two intronic: rs741846; P=0.0041 and rs175646; P=0.0014, and one in the untranslated region: rs8215; P=0.019) and their genotype distribution showed significant association in the Japanese IA patients. The allelic and genotypic frequency of one intronic SNP (rs175646; P=0.0135 and P=0.0137, respectively) and the genotypic frequency for the SNP in the UTR region (rs8215; P=0.049) was also significantly different between cases and controls of the Korean cohort. There was no difference in allelic or genotypic frequencies in the Dutch population. These SNPs in JDP2 are associated with intracranial aneurysms, suggesting that variation in or near JDP2 play a role in susceptibility to IAs in East Asian populations.

Rapid intramolecular hole hopping in meso-meso and meta-phenylene linked linear and cyclic multiporphyrin arrays

A series of zinc porphyrin arrays comprised of a meso-meso linked porphyrin dimer, a meta-phenylene linked dimer, gable-like tetramers consisting of the meso-meso linked dimers bridged via a meta-phenylene linker, and a dodecameric ring composed of this alternating dimeric pattern were singly oxidized, and intramolecular hole hopping between the porphyrin moieties was probed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy was also used to probe hole hopping within the dimers. Rapid hole hopping occurs between both porphyrins within both dimers and among three porphyrins of the tetramers with rates >10(7) s(-1) at 290 K. Additionally, the hole hops among 8-12 porphyrins in the dodecameric ring with a rate that is >10(7) s(-1) at 290 K, but hopping is slow at 180 K. These results show that hole hopping is rapid even though the meta-phenyl bridges and direct meso-meso linkages do not provide optimal electronic coupling between the porphyrins within these multiporphyrin arrays. This greatly expands the scope of possible structures that can be employed to tailor the design of long distance charge transport systems.

Plasma hormone levels and semen quality in male cats during non-breeding and breeding seasons

Female cats are known to be seasonal breeders and male cats annual breeders. Despite this, there are limited data on the influence of breeding season (BS) on hormone concentration and semen quality in the male cat. This study compared plasma concentrations of LH and testosterone (T), and semen quality during the non-breeding season (NBS) and BS in five male cats subject to natural hours of daylight but a constant environmental temperature. Plasma LH and T concentrations were higher during the BS in 2/35 and 3/5 cats, respectively, although when comparing both hormones combined, values were higher during the BS than the NBS in all cats (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the percentage of abnormal sperm between the cats. Overall, semen quality was superior during the BS with larger semen volume in 2/5, sperm motility in 2/5 and sperm viability in 3/5 cats. Although there was a clear seasonal effect on hormone secretion and semen quality, during the NBS all cats were likely to have been fertile.

Effect of catalase and superoxide dismutase on motility, viability and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed cat spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in semen extender on motility, viability and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed cat spermatozoa. Semen was collected by using an artificial vagina from five domestic cats (two ejaculates/cat). Spermatozoa were diluted in egg yolk Ttris-fructose citrate solution (EYT-FC) without glycerol and cooled at 4 degrees C for 1 h, then diluted further with EYT-FC with glycerol (7% final concentration) and 400 IU/ml of CAT (treatment 1) or SOD (treatment 2) or without antioxidants (control). Before freezing using a styrofoam box, diluted spermatozoa filled in 0.25-ml straws were equilibrated for 1 h at 4 degrees C. After thawing, spermatozoa were assessed for motility, viability and acrosomal integrity. Cryopreservation significantly impaired sperm motility, viability and acrosomal integrity (p < 0.05). However, motility, viability and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed cat spermatozoa in the EYT-FC with CAT, SOD and without the antioxidants were not significantly different. The average percentages of spermatozoa motility after thawing compared between control, treatment 1 and treatment 2 group were 43.5 +/- 3.2, 42 +/- 4.1 and 38 +/- 4.5; for viability: 44.8 +/- 3.5, 50.6 +/- 5.7 and 47.1 +/- 4.1 and for acrosomal integrity: 45 +/- 3.5, 44.9 +/- 3.4 and 44.4 +/- 3.3, respectively. In conclusion, adding CAT and SOD to EYT-FC did not improve motility, viability and acrosomal integrity in cryopreserved cat spermatozoa.

Risk factors for regrowth of intracranial meningiomas after gamma knife radiosurgery: importance of the histopathological grade and MIB-1 index

INTRODUCTION

The influence of histopathological grade and MIB-1 index of intracranial meningioma on the results of its radiosurgical management is not clear. The objective of the present retrospective study was to make an evaluation of these factors along with an analysis of other variables associated with progression-free survival after gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-four intracranial meningiomas with known detailed histopathological diagnosis were analyzed. Tumors of WHO histopathological grades I, II, and III were diagnosed in 24, 3, and 7 cases, respectively. The median MIB-1 index was 1.3% (range: 0-31.9%). In 14 cases the MIB-1 index was 3.0% and more. In 26 cases the treatment was done at the time of tumor recurrence. Median volume of the neoplasm at the time of GKR was 4.1 mL (range: 0.4-43.1 mL). Median marginal dose was 12 Gy (range: 8-19 Gy). Median length of follow-up constituted 63 months (range: 19-132 months).

RESULTS

Actuarial progression-free survival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years constituted 100, 94, 83, and 58%, respectively. Histopathological grade II or III (p<0.0001), MIB-1 index 3% and more (p=0.0004), and non-skull base location (p=0.0026) of the tumor showed negative associations with progression-free survival in multivariate analyses. Actuarial progression-free survival at 5 years after GKR for benign and non-benign meningiomas constituted 100 and 45%, respectively (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Radiosurgery is a highly effective management option for benign intracranial meningiomas, but growth control of non-benign ones is significantly worse. It requires close neuroradiological follow-up and necessitates the search for modified treatment strategies.

Dynamics of metabolic changes in intracranial metastases and distant normal-appearing brain tissue after stereotactic radiosurgery: a serial proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

The present study evaluated the dynamics of metabolic changes in intracranial metastases and distant normal-appearing brain after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Forty neoplasms were evaluated with single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) both before and after treatment. From one to six examinations (median, 3) were done in each individual case during follow-up. At the time of each investigation additional (1)H-MRS was obtained from the normal-appearing brain distant from the radiosurgical target. Investigated metabolites included N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), creatine (Cr), and mobile lipids (Lip). Within the first month after SRS responded tumors showed a statistically significant increase in NAA/Cho ratio, and decrease of Cho content and Lip-to-normal brain Cr (nCr) ratio. By contrast, statistically significant metabolic alterations were not detected in stabilized tumors. Statistically significant volumetric and metabolic changes were not marked between three and 12 months after treatment in non-progressing lesions. Alternatively, decrease of NAA/Cho ratio, NAA content and Cr content, and increase in Lip/nCr ratio and Cho content were evident in progressive neoplasms, and subtle metabolic alterations could be revealed even before the increase in the lesion volume. Metabolic characteristics of normal-appearing brain distant from the radiosurgical target did not show statistically significant changes within the first year after treatment. In conclusion, additional use of serial (1)H-MRS during follow-up after SRS for intracranial metastases permits detailed evaluation of the metabolic tumor response and may be potentially helpful for early prediction of recurrence.

[Vacuum assisted closure for postoperative mediastinitis using a portable aspirator]

We report a case of successful treatment of a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) mediastinitis by vacuum assisted closure (VAC) using SB VAC system as a portable aspirator. A 67-year-old male with intellectual disability and diabetes mellitus suffered from angina pectoris and underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. He had a MRSA mediastinitis following the surgery. We started vancomycin administration and VAC. It was expected that using wall suction for VAC would be difficult because of his intellectual disability. So we performed VAC using SB VAC system as a portable aspirator. VAC therapy for mediastinitis after cardiac surgery is effective and SB VAC system can be used as a portable aspirator.

Association study between casein kinase 1 epsilon gene and methamphetamine dependence

Casein kinase 1 epsilon (CKIepsilon) is a component of the DARPP-32 in second-messenger pathway. CKIepsilon phosphorylates and activates DARPP-32, a key molecule in various complex signaling pathways, including dopamine and glutamine signaling, which have both been demonstrated to be main pathways in substance dependence. A recent clinical study showed that rs135745, a noncoding single nucleotide polymorphism of the 3'-untranslated region of the CSNK1E gene, was associated with the intensity of the subjective response to an oral amphetamine dose in normal volunteers. Differences in sensitivity to the drug should affect development of dependence to it. Hence, we genotyped rs135745 of the CSNK1E (MIM 600863) gene in 215 patients with methamphetamine dependence and 274 age- and gender-matched normal controls. No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies were observed between the patients with methamphetamine dependence and controls. There was also no significant association between rs135745 and the clinical characteristics of methamphetamine dependence and co-morbid methamphetamine psychosis (e.g., age of first consumption, latency of psychosis, prognosis of psychosis after therapy, spontaneous relapse of psychotic symptoms, and poly-substance abuse status). The present findings suggest that having a genetic variant of the CSNK1E gene did not affect susceptibility to methamphetamine dependence or psychosis, at least in a Japanese population.

Giant cell reparative granuloma of the proximal tibia: a case report

Giant cell reparative granulomas (GCRGs) are non-neoplastic inflammatory lesions, usually of the jaw or gingiva or small bones of the hands and feet. We report one such case in the right proximal tibia of a 45-year-old man. Radiological studies showed a lytic lesion with marginal sclerosis in the epiphysis and metaphysis. After open biopsy, a preliminary diagnosis of a benign giant cell tumour was made. One month after admission, the lesion was curetted and filled with cancellous bone and hydroxyapatite. Based on the histology of the curetted lesion, the diagnosis was changed to a GCRG. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, with no evidence of local recurrence and metastasis. He died from gastric cancer 2 years later.

Decrease of 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide in paddy field soil after aerial application

Variation in the fungicide, 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide (phthalide), in paddy field soil was investigated in order to evaluate its decrease after aerial application by a radio-controlled helicopter. The maximum concentrations of phthalide were 309-320 microg/kg dry, which were 83%-96% of the applied phthalide. The organic carbon normalized soil sorption coefficient (K(oc)) was calculated to be 94-96 mL/g at 1 h after the application. The calculated K(oc) values increased to 620-1,300 mL/g from 1 through 9 days after the application and then 4,700-7,200 mL/g 14 days after the application. The half-life of the phthalide was calculated to be 20-31 days.

Intraoperative MRI for Brain Tumor Resection

Computer aided neurosurgery is now a highly advanced and essential technique, especially for the gliomas in the vicinity to the eloquent areas or deep inside of the brain. The intraoperative MRI (iMRI) is an important tool for the computer navigation system, considering brain shift under craniotomy. Real time navigation by the iMRI with brain mapping by subcortical stimulation and verbal confirmation by awake craniotomy can lead to the safe and precise tumor resection. The usefulness of an intraoperative low-field open MRI is defined for neuronavigation, especially for demonstration of the pyramidal tract in relation to the precise tumor location, considering brain shift during the operative procedure, to avoid tract injury.

Differentiation of High-Grade and Low-Grade Gliomas Using Pattern Analysis of Long-Echo Single-Voxel Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS)

The usefulness of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) for glioma grading is not clear, particularly due to the absence of standard criteria for data analysis. Previously we had developed an original classification of the pathological (1)H-MRS spectra based on the identification of the predominant metabolite peak, N-acetylaspartate (NAA) for Type I, choline-containing compounds (Cho) for Type II, and mobile lipids (Lip) for Type III, and presence or absence of other metabolite peaks: lactate (Lac), Lip, or Cho. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of this classification in grading of previously non-treated gliomas. A total of 38 low-grade and 33 high-grade neoplasms were investigated. Four tumors had (1)H-MRS spectra Type I, and all of those were low-grade. Three tumors had (1)H-MRS spectra Type III, and all those were glioblastomas. Fifteen tumors with (1)H-MRS spectra Type II had a Lip/NAA ratio more than 1 (Type II C with moderate elevation of lipids), and 12 of those neoplasms were high-grade. The differences in distribution of high-grade and low-grade gliomas among another 49 gliomas with (1)H-MRS spectra Type II did not depend on the presence of Lac and/or Lip peaks, and in this subgroup NAA/Cho ratio was also evaluated. Inclusion of both characteristics (type of the (1)H-MRS spectrum and NAA/Cho ratio with defined cut-off level of 0.6) into the diagnostic algorithm yielded 72% diagnostic accuracy (95% confidence interval: 62%-82%) in discriminating high-grade and low-grade neoplasms. In conclusion, pattern analysis of the pathological (1)H-MRS spectra using the proposed classification along with evaluation of NAA/Cho ratio might be helpful for non-invasive glioma grading.

Variation of 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide in water after aerial application to rice cultivation area

Variation in the fungicide, 4,5,6,7-phthalide, in water was investigated in order to evaluate the runoff of the fungicide after aerial application to paddy fields by a radio-controlled helicopter. The survey was conducted for 4 months after the application. The average and maximum concentrations of phthalide were 3.7-4.4 microg/L and 30.5-33.8 microg/L in the paddy fields, 0.37-0.64 microg/L and 2.7-7.5 microg/L in the drainage channels, and 0.18 and 0.83 microg/L in a river, respectively. The runoff ratios of the aerially applied phthalide from the paddy fields into the drainage channels were calculated to be 1.7-2.4%.

Metabolic characteristics of intracranial metastases, detected by single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are seemingly not predictive for tumor response to gamma knife radiosurgery

Metabolic characteristics of intracranial metastases, detected with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) have known associations with clinical predictors of tumor response to radiosurgery. Therefore, it can be suspected that the metabolic profile of the neoplasm by itself might have some prognostic significance for the outcome after irradiation. Twenty-six intracranial metastases, which underwent metabolic evaluation with single-voxel 1H-MRS before gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) and were followed for at least 3 months after treatment, were selected for retrospective analysis. The tumors most frequently originated from the lungs (9 cases), breast (7 cases), colon and rectum (5 cases). The average volume of the investigated intracranial neoplasm was 5.4+/-2.0 mL. The average marginal irradiation dose was 18.6+/-2.3 Gy. The mean follow-up after GKR constituted 8.0+/-5.5 months. Tumor response to GKR was identified in 13 cases on average 2.2+/-1.8 months after treatment. Local recurrence was marked in 10 cases on average 8.7+/-4.1 months after treatment. None of the investigated 1H-MRS metabolic parameters of intracranial metastases showed a statistically significant association with the outcome after GKR. The negative results of the present study make doubtful the predictive value of metabolic characteristics of intracranial metastases, detected with single-voxel 1H-MRS, for the outcome after radiosurgery.

Usefulness of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging for glioma surgery

BACKGROUND

Radical resection of gliomas can increase patient's survival. There is known concern, however, that aggressive tumour removal can result in neurological morbidity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of low magnetic field strength (0.3 Tesla) open intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) for complete resection of glioma with emphasis on functional outcome.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2004, 96 patients with intracranial gliomas underwent tumour resection with the use of iMRI in Tokyo Women's Medical University. There were 50 men and 46 women; mean age was 39 years. Tumour volume varied from 1.2 ml to 198 ml (median: 36.5 mL). Resection rate and postoperative neurological status were compared between control group (46 cases, operated on during the initial period after installation of iMRI), and study group (50 most recent cases, in whom surgery was done using established treatment algorithm and improved image quality).

FINDINGS

Overall, mean resection rate was 93%, and medial residual tumour volume was 0.17 ml. Total tumour removal was achieved in 44 cases (46%). Compared to control group, resection rate in the study group was significantly higher (91%, vs. 95%; P < 0.05), whereas residual tumour volume was significantly smaller (1.7 mL vs. 0.025 mL; P < 0.001). Nine patients in the control group (20%) and 24 in the study group (48%) experienced temporary postoperative neurological deterioration (P < 0.01), however, the rate of permanent morbidity evaluated 3 months after surgery did not differ significantly between the groups investigated (13% vs. 14%).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of iMRI during surgery for intracranial gliomas permits to attain aggressive tumour resection with good functional outcome. Nevertheless, surgical experience with the iMRI system, establishment of treatment algorithm, and improvement of image quality are of paramount importance for optimal results.

Diaphragm pacing with a spinal cord stimulator: current state and future directions

Diaphragm pacing with electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve is an established treatment for central hypoventilation syndrome. The device, however, is not readily available. We tested the same spinal cord stimulator we use for pain control in phrenic nerve stimulation. We implanted a spinal cord stimulator (Itrel 3 or X-trel, Medtronic, MN) in 6 patients with chronic hypoventilation because of brainstem or high cervical cord dysfunction. The stimulation electrode was placed along the right phrenic nerve in the neck, and the device was implanted in the anterior chest. We used the cyclic mode, and set the parameters at I second ramp up, 2 seconds on, 3 seconds off. The pulse width and the frequency were set at 150 microseconds and 21 Hz, respectively. The amplitude of the output was adjusted to obtain sufficient tidal volume and to maintain PaCO2 at around 40 mm Hg. During a follow-up period up to four years, stable and sufficient ventilation was observed in all patients without any complications. Although further long follow-up is necessary, diaphragm pacing with the spinal cord stimulator is feasible and effective for the treatment of the central hypoventilation syndrome.

A Hexagonal Prismatic Porphyrin Array: Synthesis, STM Detection, and Efficient Energy Hopping in Near-Infrared Region

A belt-shaped hexagonal cyclic porphyrin array 2 that comprises of six meso-meso, beta-beta, beta-beta triply linked diporphyrins 3 bridged by 1,3-phenylene spacers is prepared by oxidation from cyclic dodecameric array 1 consisting of six meso-meso directly linked diporphyrins 4 with DDQ and Sc(OTf)3. The absorption spectrum of 2 is similar to that of the constituent subunit 3 but shows a slight red-shift for the Q-bands in near-infrared (NIR) region, indicating the exciton coupling between the neighboring diporphyrin chromophores. Observed total exciton coupling energies in the absorption spectra were largely matched with the calculated values based on point-dipole exciton coupling approximation. It was found that the experimental exciton coupling strength (292 cm(-1)) of the Q-band in 2 is slightly larger than the calculated one (99 cm(-1)), indicating that the electronic communications are enhanced through 1,3-phenylene linkers in hexameric macromolecule. A rate of the excitation energy hopping (EEH) that occurs in 2 at the lowest excited singlet state in the near-infrared region has been determined to be (1.8 ps)(-1) on the basis of the pump-power dependent femtosecond transient absorption (TA) and the transient absorption anisotropy (TAA) decay measurements. The 2 times faster EEH rate of 2 than that of 1 (4.0 ps)(-1) mainly comes from involving through-bond energy transfer among diporphyrin subunits via 1,3-phenylene bridges as well as Förster-type through-space EEH processes. STM measurement of 2 in the Cu(100) surface revealed that it takes several discrete conformations with respect to the relative orientation of neighboring diporphyrins. Collectively, an effective EEH in the NIR region is realized in 2 due largely to the intensified oscillator strength in the S(1) state (Q-band) and the close proximity held by 1,3-phenylene spacers.

The pan-erbB tyrosine kinase inhibitor CI-1033 inhibits human esophageal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the EGFR family of receptors. EGFR and other members of the EGFR family have been shown to play significant roles in human cancer cell proliferation and therefore present important molecular targets for the treatment of cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the pan-erbB tyrosine kinase inhibitor CI-1033 against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. We selected 4 human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (TT, TE2, TE6, and TE10), and determined their expression of EGFR and HER2. We examined the ability of CI-1033 to inhibit cell growth in vitro and in vivo. EGFR and HER2 were overexpressed in all 4 esophageal cancer cells. We found that CI-1033 could inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner with the inhibition of phosphorylation of both MAPK and AKT. The oral administration of CI-1033 exerted a significant antitumor effect on esophageal cancer tumors in athymic nude mice. Our results suggest that CI-1033 effectively inhibits the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma which co-expresses both EGFR and HER2 with the inhibition of phosphorylation of both MAPK and AKT. Furthermore, in vivo animal studies of CI-1033 suggest that CI-1033 holds significant clinical potential in esophageal cancer.

Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma of the foot

We report a rare case of acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (AMFS) in a 68-year-old woman. Tumor excision of a mass between the 1st and 2nd toe of the left foot was performed after a diagnosis of ganglion in February 2003. Examination of the surgical specimen confirmed AMFS. No recurrence or metastasis occurred during the follow-up period of 4 years. Clinical characteristics such as recurrence rate, metastasis rate and period of metastasis are unclear for AMFS. Long-term clinical follow-up is thus required.

Single-Molecule Spectroscopic Investigation of Energy Migration Processes in Cyclic Porphyrin Arrays

Covalently linked cyclic porphyrin arrays have been synthesized to mimic natural light-harvesting apparatuses and to investigate the highly efficient energy migration processes occurring in these systems for future applications in molecular photonics. To avoid an ensemble-averaged picture, we performed a single-molecule spectroscopic study on the energy migration processes of cyclic porphyrin arrays and a linear model compound embedded in a rigid polymer matrix by recording fluorescence intensity trajectories, by performing coincidence measurements, and by doing wide-field defocused imaging. Our study demonstrates efficient energy migration within the cyclic porphyrin arrays at the single-molecule level. By comparison with the data of the linear model compound, we could pinpoint the role of the dipole-dipole coupling between diporphyrin subunits and the rigidity of the cyclic structures on the energy transfer processes.