Demonstrating a Filter-Free Wavelength Sensor with Double-Well Structure and Its Application.

This study proposed a filter-free wavelength sensor with a double-well structure for detecting fluorescence without an optical filter. The impurity concentration was optimized and simulated to form a double-well-structured sensor, of which the result was consistent with the fabricated sensor. Furthermore, we proposed a novel wavelength detection method using the current ratio based on the silicon absorption coefficient. The results showed that the proposed method successfully detected single wavelengths in the 460-800 nm range. Additionally, we confirmed that quantification was possible using the current ratio of the sensor for a relatively wide band wavelength, such as fluorescence. Finally, the fluorescence that was emitted from the reagents ALEXA488, 594, and 680 was successfully identified and quantified. The proposed sensor can detect wavelengths without optical filters, which can be used in various applications in the biofield, such as POCT as a miniaturized wavelength detection sensor.

Significance of Serum p53 Antibody as a Tumor Marker in Colorectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We examined serum anti-p53 antibodies (S-p53Ab) in colorectal cancer. Specifically, we retrospectively investigated the use of S-p53Ab as a prognostic marker after surgery for colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels of S-p53Ab, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) were measured in 160 colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment. The rate of postoperative change (RPC) in the S-p53Ab titer was calculated as [subsequent antibody titer-lowest titer]/lowest titer. RESULTS: A relationship between recurrence and RPC in the S-p53Ab titer was not observed in patients who tested negative for S-p53Ab preoperatively. In addition, no patients, who tested negative for S-p53Ab preoperatively, tested positive for S-p53Ab at the follow-up after surgery. Of the patients who tested positive for S-p53Ab preoperatively, those recurrences had a significantly higher RPC compared with those who did not (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although S-p53Ab is not a significant tumor marker in patients who test negative preoperatively, increases in the S-p53Ab titer should be continuously monitored and measured in patients who are positive for this antibody preoperatively, regardless of whether they later test negative.

Two Cases of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor Resection Combined with Dissection of the Circular Muscle Layer Using the Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Technique.

Generally, lesions of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) 10 mm or smaller are less malignant and are indicated for endoscopic therapy. However, the vertical margin may remain positive after conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) because NETs develop in a way similar to submucosal tumors (SMTs). The usefulness of EMR with a ligation device, which is modified EMR, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was reported, but no standard treatment has been established. We encountered 2 patients in whom rectal NETs were completely resected by combined dissection and resection of the circular muscle layer using the ESD technique. Case 1 was an 8-mm NET of the lower rectum. Case 2 was NET of the lower rectum treated with additional resection for a positive vertical margin after EMR. In both cases, the circular muscle layer was dissected applying the conventional ESD technique, followed by en bloc resection while conserving the longitudinal muscle layer. No problems occurred in the postoperative course in either case. Rectal NETs are observed in the lower rectum in many cases, and it is less likely that intestinal perforation by endoscopic therapy causes peritonitis. The method employed in these cases, namely combined dissection and resection of the circular muscle layer using the ESD technique, can be performed relatively safely, and it is possible to ensure negativity of the vertical margin. In addition, it may also be useful for additional treatment of cases with a positive vertical margin after EMR.

Two Patients with Large Colonic Lipomas for which Endoscopic Unroofing was Ineffective.

Endoscopic unroofing is effective for treating large colonic lipomas. However, additional endoscopic resection is occasionally required when the outcomes of initial unroofing are incomplete. The colonoscopy of an 82-year-old woman with abdominal pain revealed a yellowish lipoma of about 20 mm in the transverse colon. The mass was treated by unroofing, but a follow-up colonoscopy 5 days later revealed residual lipoma. One month later, the regenerated surface had become covered with mucosa, and the status of the lipoma had returned to that before unroofing. The colonoscopy of a 74-year-old man with abdominal pain and melena revealed a 50-mm-wide protruding lipoma in the transverse colon. The mucosa of the upper third of the lipoma was excised using an electric knife and snare, which allowed the immediate partial drainage of adipose tissue. Unroofing proceeded, but 7 days later, the unroofed surface had become coated with a white substance, and the residual lipoma required additional endoscopic resection. Colonic lipomas are often asymptomatic. However, patients with abdominal pain and hemorrhage should be treated in consideration of complete resection, but not by unroofing, which could leave a residual tumor. Drainage should be confirmed after unroofing and any residual lipoma should be treated by additional resection.

Report of a case: Retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma with rapid progression.

INTRODUCTION: Retroperitoneal mucinous cystic neoplasms are uncommon, and little is known about the etiology of the disease. Malignant forms of these are extremely rare. Here, we report a case of primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (PRMC), which demonstrated unexpectedly aggressive progression despite finding only a limited area of adenocarcinoma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 62-year-old woman with a complaint of abdominal discomfort was admitted to the hospital. Abdominal CT and MRI showed multiple large retroperitoneal cysts dislocating the right kidney nearly to the center of the abdomen. Transabdominal resection of the cysts was performed. Those cysts contained 1100ml of mucinous fluids in total. Cytological examination of those fluids revealed no malignant cells. The cyst wall was lined with mucinous epithelial cells, and contained some ovarian-type stroma. Also, there was a focal area of adenocarcinoma in the cyst wall, and the lesion was diagnosed as primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. Eight months later, the patient developed lumbar bone metastasis. Chemotherapy with S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine, and docetaxel had been begun immediately; however, the disease had rapidly spread in the retroperitoneum. Eventually, the patient died of the disease 15 months after surgery. DISCUSSION: Retroperitoneal mucinous cystic neoplasms are considered to be metaplasia of embryonal coelomic epithelium. Complete excision without rupture is essential. However, variance of biological aggressiveness might exist in PRMCs. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a rare tumor, and it is urgently necessary to elucidate the etiology of an effective therapy for the disease.

A case of metastatic carcinoma of anal fistula caused by implantation from rectal cancer.

This case involved an 80-year-old man who was seen for melena. Further testing revealed a tubular adenocarcinoma 50 mm in size in the rectum. In addition, an anal fistula was noted behind the anus along with induration. A biopsy of tissue from the external (secondary) opening of the fistula also revealed adenocarcinoma. Nodules suspected of being metastases were noted in both lung fields. The patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer, a cancer arising from an anal fistula, and a metastatic pulmonary tumor, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was begun. A laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection was performed 34 days after 6 cycles of mFOLFOX-6 therapy. Based on pathology, the rectal cancer was diagnosed as moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, and this adenocarcinoma had lymph node metastasis (yp T3N2aM1b). There was no communication between the rectal lesion and the anal fistula, and a moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma resembling the rectal lesion was noted in the anal fistula. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that both the rectal lesion and anal fistula were cytokeratin 7 (CK7) (-) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) (+), and the patient's condition was diagnosed as implantation of rectal cancer in an anal fistula.In instances where an anal fistula develops in colon cancer, cancer implantation in that fistula must also be taken into account, and further testing should be performed prior to surgery.

[A case of cecum colon cancer with lymph node metastasis successfully treated with XELOX plus bevacizumab].

A 65-year-old woman with a history of constipation presented at our hospital and was subsequently diagnosed with advanced cecum cancer. We performed laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in January 2009, with pathological findings reveal- ing the presence of Stage III b (pT3, pN3, cM0, Cur A) disease. The patient was treated with a uracil/tegafur plus Leucovorin (UFT/LV) adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for six months. In June 2010, bold examination indicated an elevated level of tumor marker CA19-9. Computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT revealed Virchow's and para-aortic lymph node metastasis. Therapy with XELOX and bevacizumab (Bmab) was administered and continued for 10 cycles. Capecitabine+Bmab treatment was also administered for 11 courses due to an adverse event of peripheral neuropathy. Follow-up revealed both the Virchow's and para-aortic lymph node metastasis had disappeared upon completion of treatment. In November, 2011 the patient was considered to have achieved a clinical complete response (CR) and continues to be followed with no further disease progression.

Gastric cancer with multiple intramural metastases and metastasis to the small intestine which eventually developed Trousseau's syndrome: report of a case.

Here we report a rare case of Trousseau's syndrome in a patient with gastric cancer with multiple intramural metastases and metastasis to the small intestine. A 70 year-old male complaining of appetite loss and weight loss of 7 kg within 3 months was admitted to hospital. Esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy revealed an advanced gastric cancer at the pylorus almost occluding the outlet of the stomach, and multiple ulcerative lesions throughout the stomach. A biopsy showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent total gastrectomy. During surgery, part of the distal ileum was found to be abnormally firm and approximately 1 m of the ileum with the cecum colon was resected. Pathologic examination confirmed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma at the pylorus and multiple intramural metastases in most other areas of the stomach. Lymph node metastases were confirmed in 12 out of 40 harvested regional lymph nodes including one positive paraaortic lymph node. The resected ileum contained multiple tumors with ulceration. Massive lymphatic invasion in the stomach and the small intestine was observed, which strongly suggested lymphatic spread of the gastric cancer. The patient was discharged on post-operative day 21; however, 2 months after surgery, he developed multiple cerebral thromboembolisms and died 2 weeks later.