Effect of a Device-Free Compressed Shell Fixation Method on Hepatic Respiratory Movement: Analysis for Respiratory Amplitude of the Liver and Internal Motions of a Fiducial Marker

Purpose

Suppression of respiratory movement of the liver would be desirable for high-precision radiation therapy for liver tumors. We aimed to investigate the effect of our original device-free compressed shell fixation method and breathing instruction on suppression of respiratory movement. The characteristics of liver motion based on the movement of a fiducial marker were also analyzed.

Establishment of a specific cell death induction system in Bombyx mori by a transgene with the conserved apoptotic regulator,mouse Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (mouse Bax)

The induction of apoptosis in vivo is a useful tool for investigating the functions and importance of particular tissues. B‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2‐associated X protein (Bax) functions as a pro‐apoptotic factor and induces apoptosis in several organisms. The Bax‐mediated apoptotic system is widely conserved from Caenorhabditis elegans to humans. In order to establish a tissue‐specific cell death system in the domestic silkworm, Bombyx mori, we constructed a transgenic silkworm that overexpressed mouse Bax (mBax) in particular tissues by the Gal4‐upstream activation sequence system. We found that the expression of mBax induced specific cell death in the silk gland, fat body and sensory cells. Fragmentation of genomic DNA was observed in the fat body, which expressed mBax, thereby supporting apoptotic cell death in this tissue. Using this system, we also demonstrated that specific cell death in sensory cells attenuated the response to the sex pheromone bombykol. These results show that we successfully established a tissue‐specific cell death system in vivo that enabled specific deficiencies in particular tissues. The inducible cell death system may provide useful means for industrial applications of the silkworm and possible utilization for other species.     

Heterogeneity of cancer‐associated fibroblasts: Opportunities for precision medicine

Despite marked development in cancer therapies during recent decades, the prognosis for advanced cancer remains poor. The conventional tumor–cell‐centric view of cancer can only explain part of cancer progression, and thus a thorough understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial. Among cells within the TME, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are attracting attention as a target for cancer therapy. However, CAFs present a heterogeneous population of cells and more detailed classification of CAFs and investigation of functions of each subset is needed to develop novel CAF‐targeted therapies. In this context, application of newly developed approaches to single‐cell analysis has already made an impact on our understanding of the heterogeneity of CAFs. Here, we review the recent literature on CAF heterogeneity and function, and discuss the possibility of novel therapies targeting CAF subsets.     

Single-incision laparoscopic herniorrhaphy for inguinal hernia repair

Purposes

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery improves the cosmetic outcome after surgery. We herein report six cases of successful single-incision laparoscopic (SILS) herniorrhaphy.

Methods

Six patients, five with unilateral inguinal hernias and one with bilateral inguinal hernias, underwent SILS herniorrhaphy. A Covidien SILS port was inserted via an umbilical incision, through which three trocars of 5, 5 and 12 mm (or 5 mm) were inserted. The peritoneum was then opened with flexible scissors and electrocoagulation, after which, the preperitoneal space was dissected. A mesh was then fixed, and the peritoneum was finally closed using Covidien SILS Stitch or AbsorbaTack.

Results

The mean length of the operation for the unilateral cases was 136 min. The increased time was due to difficulties unrelated to this methodology. However, the length of the operation in the bilateral case was 94 min. All patients were discharged without complications.

Conclusions

SILS herniorrhaphy requires experience and more time than conventional three-port herniorrhaphy. However, if the length of the operation can be shortened, then this novel surgical technique is considered to be feasible and it is expected to improve the cosmetic outcome without any additional risk.