Malignant Phyllodes Tumor in a Pubertal Girl: A Report of a Case.

BACKGROUND: Malignant phyllodes tumor (MPT) is a rare breast disease that is extremely rare in children. A few cases of pediatric malignant phyllodes tumors have been reported, including some with a poor prognosis. CASE: A 14-year-old girl presented with a growing lump on her right breast. On the basis of imaging tests and a core needle biopsy, MPT was diagnosed, and right mastectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: MPT is an infrequent disease in adult females and is extremely rare in pubertal females. It occasionally shows rapid growth, metastasis, and recurrence with a poor prognosis. Early surgical resection is necessary to obtain a cure. When a rapidly growing breast tumor is observed in pubertal females, MPT should be considered.

Delayed iliopsoas abscess following COVID-19 pneumonia.

Bacterial co-infection has been reported to contribute to a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. However, iliopsoas abscess (IPA) has not been previously reported as a comorbidity during the course of COVID-19. We report two cases of IPA in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Both patients required prolonged immunosuppressive therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia and developed bacteremia due to Serratia marcescens in one and Staphylococcus aureus in the other. Although immunosuppressive therapy is commonly used for COVID-19 pneumonia with hypoxemia, the comorbidity of IPA may have been underestimated in these cases.

Acute asthma exacerbation due to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine [ComirnatyⓇ]).

The messenger RNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 is effective at preventing COVID-19-associated hospitalization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended vaccination for all eligible individuals. We demonstrate a case involving a patient who developed a life-threatening acute asthma exacerbation after receiving their third dose of the BNT16b2 vaccine. Because eosinophilia was observed after the second inoculation, it was considered likely that the patient had been sensitized to the BNT16b2 vaccine. Theoretically, the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could trigger the exacerbation of asthma. It should be recognized that repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may be a risk factor for the acute exacerbation of asthma.

Subseafloor sulphide deposit formed by pumice replacement mineralisation.

Seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits, modern analogues of volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits on land, represent future resources of base and precious metals. Studies of VMS deposits have proposed two emplacement mechanisms for SMS deposits: exhalative deposition on the seafloor and mineral and void space replacement beneath the seafloor. The details of the latter mechanism are poorly characterised in detail, despite its potentially significant role in global metal cycling throughout Earth's history, because in-situ studies require costly drilling campaigns to sample SMS deposits. Here, we interpret petrographic, geochemical and geophysical data from drill holes in a modern SMS deposit and demonstrate that it formed via subseafloor replacement of pumice. Samples from the sulphide body and overlying sediment at the Hakurei Site, Izena Hole, middle Okinawa Trough indicate that sulphides initially formed as aggregates of framboidal pyrite and matured into colloform and euhedral pyrite, which were replaced by chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena. The initial framboidal pyrite is closely associated with altered material derived from pumice, and alternating layers of pumiceous and hemipelagic sediments functioned as a factory of sulphide mineralisation. We infer that anhydrite-rich layers within the hemipelagic sediment forced hydrothermal fluids to flow laterally, controlling precipitation of a sulphide body extending hundreds of meters.

The dectin 1 agonist curdlan regulates osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) through Syk kinase.

Several immune system cell surface receptors are reported to be associated with osteoclastogenesis. Dectin 1, a lectin receptor for ß-glucan, is found predominantly on cells of the myeloid lineage. In this study, we examined the effect of the dectin 1 agonist curdlan on osteoclastogenesis. In mouse bone marrow cells and dectin 1-overexpressing RAW 264.7 cells (d-RAWs), curdlan suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, and actin ring formation in a dose-dependent manner. This was achieved within non-growth inhibitory concentrations at the early stage. Conversely, curdlan had no effect on macrophage colony-stimulating factor-induced differentiation. Furthermore, curdlan inhibited RANKL-induced nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) expression, thereby decreasing osteoclastogenesis-related marker gene expression, including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein, cathepsin K, and matrix metallopeptidase 9. Curdlan inhibited RANKL-induced c-fos expression, followed by suppression of NFATc1 autoamplification, without significantly affecting the NF-κB signaling pathway. We also observed that curdlan treatment decreased Syk protein in d-RAWs. Inhibition of the dectin 1-Syk kinase pathway by Syk-specific siRNA or chemical inhibitors suppressed osteoclast formation and NFATc1 expression stimulated by RANKL. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that curdlan potentially inhibits osteoclast differentiation, especially NFATc1 expression, and that Syk kinase plays a crucial role in the transcriptional pathways. This suggests that the activation of dectin 1-Syk kinase interaction critically regulates the genes required for osteoclastogenesis.

EBV-positive MTX-diffuse large B cell lymphoma in a rheumatoid arthritis patient.

Methotrexate (MTX)-associated lymphoproliferative disorders have received much attention from rheumatologists, and early diagnosis is very important for reducing mortality. There are several reports of radiologic findings in patients with pulmonary malignant lymphoma, mainly consisting of masses, nodules, and lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography has rarely detected necrosis in the masses. In this article, we report a case of MTX-associated Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma characterized by a very large lung mass with prominent areas of central necrosis. The disease regressed after withdrawal of MTX.

[A case of undifferentiated colon cancer responding to FOLFIRI therapy].

We report a case of undifferentiated colon cancer treated with FOLFIRI therapy. A 69-year-old male had suffered from descending colon cancer. He underwent a left hemicolectomy with D3 dissection. Histopathologically, the tumor was undifferentiated carcinoma, and the cytology of ascites was positive. Peritoneal disseminations occurred soon after surgery, and these tumors did not respond to FOLFOX4 therapy. FOLFIRI therapy was employed, and it reduced the size of these tumors once. However, the therapy failed to control the tumor progression 2 months later. Although we started bevacizumab and S-1, the patient died 11 months after the operation. The present case demonstrates the efficacy of FOLFIRI therapy for undifferentiated colon cancer.

Structural characteristics for superoxide anion radical scavenging and productive activities of green tea polyphenols including proanthocyanidin dimers.

The purpose of this paper is to report structural characteristics for superoxide anion radical (O(2(-))) scavenging and productive activities of green tea polyphenols. (-)-Epicatechin 3-O-gallate (5), (-)-epigallocatechin (6), (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (7), (+)-gallocatechin-(4alpha-->8')-epigallocatechin (8), and (-)-epigallocatechin-(2beta-->O-->7', 4beta-->8')-epicatechin 3'-O-gallate (9) were isolated from the tea plant Camellia sinensis L. (+)-Epigallocatechin-(2beta-->O-->7, 4beta-->8')-epicatechin (10) was prepared by hydrolyzing 9. The polyphenols, as well as commercially available pyrogallol (1), methyl gallate (2), (+)-catechin (3), (-)-epicatechin (4), and the flavonol myricetin (11), produced O(2(-)) in descending order 1, 6 asymptotically equal to11 asymptotically equal to8, 7, 10, 2 asymptotically equal to9, 5 asymptotically equal to4. In the polyphenols with the pyrogallol-type B-ring and/or galloyl group, electron-withdrawing substituents (carbonyl and ketal carbons) and/or intramolecular hydrogen bonding constituted structural characteristics against the autoxidation reaction. The O(2(-))-productive activity partially counteracted O(2(-))-scavenging activity. However, such structural characteristics appeared to enhance the scavenging activity, accordingly the polyphenols in effect served as O(2(-))-scavengers in descending order 9 asymptotically equal to7, 2, 11, 8, 10, 3 asymptotically equal to4. On the other hand, 6, having no such structural characteristic, acted as a O(2(-))-generator, as well as 1. Further assessments covering tannins (e.g., A-type proanthocyanidin dimer 9) are needed to identify which green tea polyphenols are the most desirable chemopreventive agents.

Adenocarcinoma of aberrant pancreas in the jejunum: report of a case.

INTRODUCTION: Aberrant pancreas in the jejunum is a rare condition, and its malignant transformation is very unusual. CASE REPORT: We presented a case in which jejunal carcinoma occurred in the aberrant pancreas. A 76-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to repetitive vomiting after meals. Radiology showed high obstruction in the proximal jejunum. Laparotomy revealed that the obstruction was a submucosal tumor. Partial resection of the jejunum including the tumor was performed. Histology showed that the tumor was made up of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma originating from aberrant pancreatic tissues. CONCLUSION: This was the tenth case of aberrant pancreatic carcinoma in the jejunum reported in literature.

D-ribose competitively reverses inhibition by D-psicose of larval growth in Caenorhabditis elegans.

D-Psicose inhibits the growth of L1 stage Caenorhabditis elegans. Sugars, involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, were examined for their ability to reverse the inhibition. Among these sugars, D-ribose specifically exerted reversing activity in a competitive manner. The ingested sugars are probably phosphorylated, although it remains to be seen whether D-psicose is phosphorylated. The structural similarity of D-psicofuranose 6-phosphate (Pf6P) or D-psicofuranose (Pf) to D-ribofuranose 5-phosphate (Rf5P) suggests that Pf6P or Pf is reversibly docked in the active site(s) of ribose-5-phosphate isomerase(s) to act as an antimetabolite to Rf5P, leading to inhibition of the biosynthesis of nucleic acids. D-Psicose was much less potent against the L4 stage than against the L1 stage. This is probably because in the L4 stage the somatic cell lineages come to an end and the number of germ-line nuclei increases to about 1000.

A new diterpenoid and a new triterpenoid glucosyl ester from the leaves of Callicarpa japonica Thunb. var. luxurians Rehd.

A new abietane-type diterpenoid and a new oleanane-type triterpenoid glucosyl ester were isolated from the leaves of Callicarpa japonica Thunb. var. luxurians Rehd. (Verbenaceae) along with 11 known compounds, comprising seven triterpenoids, two sterols, a flavonoid, and an aliphatic glycoside. Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data.

A new lignan glucoside from the stems of Callicarpa japonica Thunb. var. luxurians Rehd.

A new lignan glucoside (1) was isolated from the stems of Callicarpa japonica Thunb. var. luxurians Rehd. (Verbenaceae), along with six known lignan glucosides and three known triterpenoids. The chemical structure of 1 was characterized as (+)-lyoniresinol 3 alpha-O-(6''-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectroscopic data. In addition, the radical-scavenging effect of four lignans on the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl was examined. Among the tested compounds, three compounds, including 1, showed almost the same scavenging activity as that of alpha-tocopherol.

Five new diterpenoids, viteagnusins A--E, from the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus.

Two new halimane-type diterpenoids, viteagnusins A and B, and three new labdane-type diterpenoids, viteagnusins C, D, and E, were isolated from the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus L. (Chasteberry, Verbenaceae) along with two known diterpenoids. Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data.

Potential anthelmintics: polyphenols from the tea plant Camellia sinensis L. are lethally toxic to Caenorhabditis elegans.

A novel gallate of tannin, (-)-epigallocatechin-(2 beta-->O-->7',4 beta-->8')-epicatechin-3'-O-gallate (8), together with (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (4), (-)-epigallocatechin (5), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (6), and (+)-gallocatechin-(4 alpha-->8')-epigallocatechin (7), were isolated from the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze var. sinensis (cv., Yabukita). The structure of 8, including stereochemistry, was elucidated by spectroscopic methods and hydrolysis. The compounds, along with commercially available pyrogallol (1), (+)-catechin (2), and (-)-epicatechin (3), were examined for toxicity towards egg-bearing adults of Caenorhabditis elegans. The anthelmintic mebendazole (9) was used as a positive control. Neither 2 nor 3 were toxic but the other compounds were toxic in the descending order 8, 7 approximately 6, 9, 4, 5, 1. The LC(50) (96 h) values of 8 and 9 were evaluated as 49 and 334 micromol L(-1), respectively. These data show that many green tea polyphenols may be potential anthelmintics.

Potential anthelmintic: D-psicose inhibits motility, growth and reproductive maturity of L1 larvae of Caenorhabditis elegans.

No anthelmintic sugars have yet been identified. Eight ketohexose stereoisomers (D- and L-forms of psicose, fructose, tagatose and sorbose), along with D-galactose and D-glucose, were examined for potency against L1 stage Caenorhabditis elegans fed Escherichia coli. Of the sugars, D-psicose specifically inhibited the motility, growth and reproductive maturity of the L1 stage. D-Psicose probably interferes with the nematode nutrition. The present results suggest that D-psicose, one of the rare sugars, is a potential anthelmintic.

Two new lignan glucosides from the fruit of Vitex cannabifolia.

Two new phenyldihydronaphthalene-type lignan glucosides, vitecannasides A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the fruit of Vitex cannabifolia Sieb. et. Zucc. (Verbenaceae) along with the six known lignan derivatives (3-8), four known iridoid glucosides (9-12), three known flavonoids (13-15), and one known phenylbutanone glucoside (16). Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as chemical evidence. The scavenging effect of 1, 2, and 11-16 on the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl was examined. Compounds 1, 2, 14, and 15 exhibited stronger activity than that of L: -cysteine. Especially, 14 and 15 showed more potent activity than that of alpha-tocopherol.

DPPH radical-scavenging effect on some constituents from the aerial parts of Lippia triphylla.

Lippia triphylla (L'HER) O. KUNTZE: (Verbenaceae; common name, Lemon Verbena) is used in Peru as a spice and herb tea for the prevention of arteriosclerosis. From the aerial parts of this plant, 25 known compounds--3 phenylpropanoid glucosides, 7 flavonoids, 5 phenylethanoid glycosides, 5 lignans, 2 sesquiterpenoids, and 3 triterpenoids--were isolated, and their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physical and spectral data. Among them, 19 aromatic compounds were examined for their scavenging effect on the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl--4 phenylethanoid glycosides and 5 lignans indicated a potent scavenging effect. Of note, the EC(50) values of two phenylethanoid glycosides reached almost thrice that of alpha-tocopherol.

[A case of Sweet's syndrome with a variety of chest radiological findings].

We report a rare case of Sweet's syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) with a variety of chest radiological findings. A 73-year-old man, who had been treated with corticosteroid for Sweet's syndrome for 2 years, was admitted to our hospital because of pyrexia with a infiltrative chest shadow. Chest CT scans showed consolidation and ground-glass opacities with air-bronchogram in the right lower lobe. Treatment with antibiotics seemed to be effective but there was no improvement of chest shadows. Simultaneously with his pyrexia, diffuse centrilobular-micronodular shadows and a mass-like shadow appeared on chest CT after 2 months and after the next 2 months, respectively. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid contained increased neutrophils but not any infectious pathogen. Transbronchial lung biopsy specimens revealed chronic interstitial infiltrate with alveolar wall thickening and neutrophil accumulation in the airspace. A diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in a patient with Sweet's syndrome was finally made and he was successfully treated with corticosteroid.

Drilling to gabbro in intact ocean crust.

Sampling an intact sequence of oceanic crust through lavas, dikes, and gabbros is necessary to advance the understanding of the formation and evolution of crust formed at mid-ocean ridges, but it has been an elusive goal of scientific ocean drilling for decades. Recent drilling in the eastern Pacific Ocean in Hole 1256D reached gabbro within seismic layer 2, 1157 meters into crust formed at a superfast spreading rate. The gabbros are the crystallized melt lenses that formed beneath a mid-ocean ridge. The depth at which gabbro was reached confirms predictions extrapolated from seismic experiments at modern mid-ocean ridges: Melt lenses occur at shallower depths at faster spreading rates. The gabbros intrude metamorphosed sheeted dikes and have compositions similar to the overlying lavas, precluding formation of the cumulate lower oceanic crust from melt lenses so far penetrated by Hole 1256D.

Islet film cures diabetes.

Intraportal transplantation of islets is usually performed by a percutaneous, transhepatic catheterization technique for type 1 diabetic patients. We show here an easier method of islet implantation into the liver. An islet film was made using rat islet and was simply placed on the liver of a diabetic recipient rat. Histologic examinations revealed that the islets passed through the liver capsule within a week after the implantation, entered the liver parenchyma within 3 weeks, and were encircled with hepatocytes by day 222. Recipient rats were cured of diabetes; however nonimplanted control rats had high levels of blood glucose. The film-transplanted islets could provide adequate insulin to maintain stable blood glucose levels. This novel method requires little skill and no special instruments. This islet film approach may prove suitable for simple islet transplantation in clinical cases.