Objective: To investigate an association between the gut microbiome and efficacy of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) in ovarian cancer. Methods: This study conducted fecal microbiome analysis (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling for ovarian cancer patients who underwent PARPi maintenance therapy. Fecal and blood samples were collected at the baseline and the progressive disease (PD) or last follow-up. The relative abundance of gut microbes and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using linear discriminant analysis of effect size and the Cox proportional hazard model according to BRCA1/2 mutation (BRCA1/2mut) status detected by ctDNA sequencing. Results: Baseline samples were available from 23 BRCA1/2mut-positive patients and 33 BRCA1/2mut-negative patients. The microbes enriched in the baseline samples with long PFS were Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, Dialister, Butyricicoccus, and Bilophila for BRCA1/2mut-positive patients and Phascolarctobacterium for BRCA1/2mut-negative patients. In multivariate analyses dividing patients by the median values of relative abundances, no bacteria were associated with PFS in BRCA1/2mut-positive patients, whereas high Phascolarctobacterium abundances (≥1.11%) was significantly associated with longer PFS in BRCA1/2mut-negative patients (median 14.0 vs. 5.9 months, hazard ratio=0.28; 95% confidence interval=0.11–0.69; p=0.014). In the last samples, the relative abundances of Phascolarctobacterium were significantly higher in patients without PD (n=5) than those with PD (n=15) (median 1.25% vs. 0.06%; p=0.016). Conclusion High fecal composition of Phascolarctobacterium was associated with prolonged PFS in patients with BRCA1/2mut-negative ovarian cancer receiving PARPi therapy. Our results would provide new insights for future research.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement is currently the standard technique for treating unresectable malignant distal biliary obstructions (MDBO). Therefore, covered SEMS with longer stent patency and fewer migrations are required. This study aimed to assess the clinical performance of a novel, fully covered SEMS for unresectable MDBO. Methods: This was a multicenter single-arm prospective study. The primary outcome was a non-obstruction rate at 6 months. The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), time to RBO (TRBO), technical and clinical success, and adverse events. Results: A total of 73 patients were enrolled in this study. The non-obstruction rate at 6 months was 61%. The median OS and TRBO were 233 and 216 days, respectively. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 97%, respectively. Furthermore, the rate of occurrence of RBO and adverse events was 49% and 21%, respectively. The length of bile duct stenosis (<2.2 cm) was the only significant risk factor for stent migration. Conclusions The non-obstruction rate of a novel fully covered SEMS for MDBO is comparable to that reported earlier but shorter than expected. Short bile duct stenosis is a significant risk factor for stent migration.

In this study, we assessed a series of our cases in which endoscopic self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) were used to treat malignant afferent loop obstruction (ALO) that arose after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We retrospectively examined the records of 7 patients who underwent endoscopic SEMS placement for malignant ALO following PD. Clinical success was achieved in all cases. The median procedure time was 30 min (range, 15–50 min). There were no cases of stent occlusion, and no procedure-related adverse events were encountered. All patients died of their primary disease, and the median overall survival period was 155 days (range, 96–374 days). A re-intervention involving endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy combined with antegrade stenting was performed for obstructive jaundice and acute cholangitis in 1 case. In conclusion, endoscopic SEMS placement may be an effective and safe treatment for malignant ALO that arises after PD.

The Koho school has a high regard for formulation corresponding to sho uniquely developed as a conspicuous feature of Kampo medicine, and Ruihobunrui (the classification of formulae based on the main crude drug : CF) has played an important role in structuring the foundation of this development in the Koho school. CF is a classification method used to express the adaptation and characteristics of formulae in the Koho school, and is useful for research on drug compositions. Therefore, CF can be used effectively in both clinical practice and education. CF has shown little development in China after the appearance of Xu Ling Tai ; however, in Japan the development of CF centered on such influential figures as Todo Yoshimasu of the Koho school, and Naohiro Kitamura of the Kosho school. Kenzo Okuda and Keisetsu Otsuka used CF for clinical practice and education during the revival stage of Kampo medicine in the Showa era ; moreover, CF had a large effect on structuring the foundation of clinical application by formulating Kampo extracts for prescriptions. Thus, CF has played an important role in Kampo medicine. However, the research has been stopped in the present circumstances of Japan. We focus here on CF of the Koho school in Edo and Showa eras, and carried out considerations of CF to establish one of the characteristics of Kampo medicine that places importance on Shang Han Za Bing Lun.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PURPOSE: To clarify the influence of cervical spinal canal stenosis (CSCS) on neurological functional recovery after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) without major fracture or dislocation. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The biomechanical etiology of traumatic CSCI remains under discussion and its relationship with CSCS is one of the most controversial issues in the clinical management of traumatic CSCI. METHODS: To obtain a relatively uniform background, patients non-surgically treated for an acute C3-4 level CSCI without major fracture or dislocation were selected. We analyzed 58 subjects with traumatic CSCI using T2-weighted mid-sagittal magnetic resonance imaging. The sagittal diameter of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) column, degree of canal stenosis, and neurologic outcomes in motor function, including improvement rate, were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant relationships between sagittal diameter of the CSF column at the C3-4 segment and their American Spinal Injury Association motor scores at both admission and discharge. Moreover, no significant relationships were observed between the sagittal diameter of the CSF column at the C3-4 segment and their neurological recovery during the following period. CONCLUSIONS: No relationships between pre-existing CSCS and neurological outcomes were evident after traumatic CSCI. These results suggest that decompression surgery might not be recommended for traumatic CSCI without major fracture or dislocation despite pre-existing CSCS.
Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Cervical Cord* ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Decompression ; Dislocations* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Canal* ; Spinal Injuries

　　A 63-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of thirst and polyuria about 1 year after ceasing therapy in November, X and in October, X+1. Her blood glucose levels at the beginning of her admissions were 347 at the first admission and 486 at the second admission. We administered glargine, a long-acting type insulin, 8U/day, and　a short-acting insulin, glulisine, 4U/day, during the first admission. We administered glargine, a long-acting type insulin, 4U/day, and a short-acting insulin, glulisine, 3U/day, during the second admission. We also administered a GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, 0.3mg/day. Blood glucose levels (mg/dl) during the 5 days of the first admission were as follows: first, -, -, 347, and 180; second, 273, 266, 109, and 188; third, 75, 192, 186, and 182; fourth, 93, 194, 91, and 144; fifth, 78, 95, 124, and 127. In the second admission, blood glucose levels were as follows: first, -, -, 486, and 299; second: 140, 137, 195, and 128; third: 101, 122, 114, and 108; fourth: 101, 123, 123, and 137; and fifth, 89, 136, 111, and 129. CGM data showed an average of 128mg/dl and standard deviation of 34 during the first admission. CGM data showed an average of 125mg/dl and standard deviation of 20 during the second admission. The reduction of insulin and rapid flattening of blood sugar were achieved by GLP-1 receptor agonist with promotion of insulin secretion and suppression of glucagon secretion.

Decoctions of Ephedrae Herba were prepared using tap water sampled in Changping District, Beijing City(China), tap water sampled in Niigata City (Japan) and some mineral water samples sold in markets. Various dissimilarities were found between drug extracts prepared using tap water in Japan and China, and the extraction efficiency of the alkaloids with Beijing tap water was approximately 80% of that with Niigata tap water. It is suggested that these dissimilarities result from concentrations of temporally hard components, such as calcium and magnesium bicarbonate salts, in the water. In addition, when Zizyphi Fructus and Ephedrae Herba were decocted together in hard water, the state of the decoction, ephedra-alkaloid content included, was found to come close to that of single Ephedrae Herba decoctions prepared using soft water. It was suggested that Ziziphi Fructus might possibly play roles as a softening agent in decoctions prepared using hard water.

At present numerous Kampo formulae are used in Japan, and how we classify Kampo formulae into groups has become an important issue. Nevertheless, in recent-year Kampo formularies or prescription manuals, there is almost no comprehensive classification of all Kampo formulae covered by the older Koho or Goseihou schools, or recent Chinese Medicine. Furthermore no research has been performed on Kampo formulae classi fications. From a historical point of view, however, many classifications were made in formularies and prescription manuals of the Edo period then the early Showa period.
Kenzo Okuda, who belonged to the Koho School, was a Kampo physician in the early Showa period who attempted to make classifications of Kampo formulae. In this review, we researched his classifications as based on Ruihou-classifications, in other words the systematic collecting Kampo formulae by points of similarity between herb formations. Then we also studied the history of Ruihou-classifications preceding Okuda’s, and considered problems lying ahead for classifications of Kampo formulations in Japan.

During the perioperative period after total hip arthroplasty (THA), much attention has been recently paid to deep venous thrombosis, yet there are few reports concerning stroke after THA and there is no such data at all in Japan at present. The purpose of this retrospective study was to elucidate the occurrence rate and the characteristics of stroke cases during the THA perioperative period. A total of 1,551 primary THAs performed between January 1999 and December 2008 were investigated. Cerebral infarction occurred in three patients (0.19%) during three weeks after THA. Concerning the related factors, one male had foramen ovale, one female had untreated diabetes and atrial fibrillation, and one female had severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery. Cerebral infarction occurred at Day 1 in one male, at Day 2 in one female, and at Day 5 in the other female, and they underwent anticoagulant therapy just after their diagnosis. In all three patients, motor paralysis fully improved and they came back to the THA rehabilitation program within Day 9. One male was discharged at 4 weeks, and another two females were discharged at 8 weeks. Because many people eating a more European diet are now getting older in Japan, prophylaxis for not only DVT but also stroke after THA should be emphasized.

In 1991, the committee on postgraduate clinical training proposed revised behavioral objectives for basic clinical training in the initial two years. We present here a model for a clinical training program that should enable most residents to attain these objectives within two years.
The program begins with orientation for 1-2 weeks, including a workshop on team care, and nursing practice.
Basic clinical skills for primary care and emergency managements should be learned by experience during rotations through various clinical specialities. All staff members, even senior residents, should participate in teaching beginning residents in hospitals.