BackgroundRecently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (NAC-DCF) was identified as a novel strong regimen with a high rate of pathological complete response (pCR) in advanced esophageal cancer in Japan. Predicting pCR will contribute to the therapeutic strategy and the prevention of surgical invasion. However, a predictor of pCR after NAC-DCF has not yet been developed. The aim of this study was to identify a novel predictor of pCR in locally advanced esophageal cancer treated with NAC-DCF.Patients and methodsA total of 32 patients who received NAC-DCF followed by esophagectomy between June 2013 and March 2016 were enrolled in this study. We divided the patients into the following 2 groups: pCR group (9 cases) and non-pCR group (23 cases), and compared gene expressions between these groups using DNA microarray data and KeyMolnet. Subsequently, a validation study of candidate molecular expression was performed in 7 additional cases.ResultsSeventeen molecules, including transcription factor E2F, T-cell-specific transcription factor, Src (known as “proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase of sarcoma”), interferon regulatory factor 1, thymidylate synthase, cyclin B, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4, CDK, caspase-1, vitamin D receptor, histone deacetylase, MAPK/ERK kinase, bcl-2-associated X protein, runt-related transcription factor 1, PR domain zinc finger protein 1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and interleukin 1, were identified as candidate molecules. The molecules were mainly associated with pathways, such as transcriptional regulation by SMAD, RB/E2F, and STAT. The validation study indicated that 12 of the 17 molecules (71%) matched the trends of molecular expression.ConclusionsA 17-molecule set that predicts pCR after NAC-DCF for locally advanced esophageal cancer was identified.

Laparoscopic wedge resection with SAMIT is technically and oncologically safe. It is useful for treating gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors, including those close to the esophagogastric junction or pyloric ring.

HighlightsWe treated two patients with right indirect inguinal hernias and cryptorchidism.Both patients underwent TEP repair with orchiectomy under the same operative view.TEP repair with orchiectomy could be safely performed.This procedure could be an option for the treatment of such adult patients.

Background and Aim Infection by Helicobacter pylori is implicated in a wide range of upper gastrointestinal diseases. Owing to the rapid emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains of H. pylori, the development of novel treatment modalities for antibiotic‐resistant H. pylori infection is a key priority. Blue light‐emitting diodes (LED) may represent a unique option owing to their antimicrobial effect. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti‐proliferative effect of blue LED against antibiotic‐resistant H. pylori. Methods Ten antibiotic‐resistant strains and one sensitive H. pylori strain were used in this study. After irradiation by blue LED along time course, the viability of H. pylori was evaluated by enumerating colony forming units. Morphological changes in H. pylori were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Reductase activity was measured as an indicator of bacterial cellular activity. Total reactive oxygen species was monitored using fluorescence intensity and fluorescence microscope imaging. Results After irradiation by blue LED, the numbers of H. pylori in all the strains were significantly reduced compared with control group. The H. pylori exhibited a short rod‐shaped morphology after irradiation; no such change was observed in H. pylori not exposed to blue LED. Re‐irradiation of surviving strain after the initial irradiation also exhibited the same anti‐proliferation effect. After blue LED irradiation, bacterial cellular activity was lower, and total reactive oxygen species production was significantly higher in blue LED group, compared with that in control. Conclusions Blue LED could be a new treatment to eradicate infection with antibiotic‐resistant H. pylori.

Gastrectomy for small advanced gastric cancer (≤40 mm) can be more safely performed and results in better prognosis in elderly patients aged 80 years or older, suggesting that early screening examinations should be recommended for elderly populations.