Cystic Lymphangioma of the Pancreas with Spontaneous Rupture: Report of a Case

Lymphangioma is a benign and congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. Most lymphangiomas are preferentially located in the head and neck region. The abdominal organs are uncommon sites of origin. Several cases of lymphangioma in abdominal organs were reported, however, the pancreas is one of the rarest origins. Generally, intra-abdominal lymphangioma is asymptomatic and found incidentally, but in some cases, the patient complains of abdominal distension or a palpable mass. We describe the case of a 38-year-old male who presented with sudden-onset upper abdominal pain. Rupture of a cystic tumor of the pancreatic head was suspected, based on the findings of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasonography. Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was undertaken. The tumor, which was 4 × 4.5 × 8 cm in size, was pathologically diagnosed as a cystic lymphangioma. In conclusion, pancreatic lymphangioma is mostly asymptomatic, a ruptured case causing ‘acute abdomen’ has never been reported. Since lymphangioma is benign, it could be observed with accurate diagnosis. The surgical indication would be limited to cases of symptomatic lymphangiomas

A bridge to the Near North : the 1980s resurrection of Henry Black (1858-1923)

This thesis is a study of Henry Black, a long-term Australian resident of Japan who became famous as ‘the blue-eyed story teller’, a performer of rakugo, a traditional Japanese art. His fluency in Japanese language and deep knowledge of both Japanese and Western cultures enabled him to make a strong contribution to cross cultural understanding in Meiji Japan. Though the thesis will necessarily document his life and achievements, and for this will build on Ian McArthur’s ground-breaking work, its main focus is on the resurgence of interest in Black in the 1980s that McArthur’s work belongs to. Though Black achieved a degree of fame during his life, he was largely forgotten after his death in 1923. What were the factors in the emergence and growth of interest in him so long after his death? In addressing this question, the thesis shows the complexity of cross cultural understanding, the intersection of personal contributions, academic and popular publishing, popular culture, the politics of soft diplomacy among other factors. It concludes with an account of the legacy set in train by the events of the 1980s and 1990s. This research aims to contribute to an increased appreciation for the individuals such as Black who made a lasting impact to cross-cultural understanding through their careers and legacy

Epitope-Tagged L* Protein of Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus Is Expressed in the Central Nervous System in the Acute Phase of Infection

TO subgroup strains of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) synthesize L* protein from an alternative initiation codon. We first demonstrated L* expression in the central nervous system (CNS) of TMEV-infected mice during the acute phase of infection by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting with anti-L* antibody. In addition, we generated mutant viruses which synthesize FLAG or 3xFLAG epitope-tagged L* protein. With a mutant virus expressing 3xFLAG epitope-tagged L*, designated DA/3xFLAGL*, we investigated L* in the CNS in the acute phase of infection. DA/3xFLAGL* did not change the virus tropism in comparison with wild-type virus, and L* was clearly identified in the CNS in both susceptible and resistant strains of mice. Double immunolabeling studies showed that L* is colocalized with TMEV polyprotein and exclusively expressed in neurons

Small-Diameter Vascular Graft in Mice

Aim: Synthetic vascular grafts are widely used in surgical revascularization, mainly for medium- to large-sized vessels. However, synthetic grafts smaller than 6 mm in diameter are associated with a high incidence of thrombosis. In this study, we evaluated silk fibroin, a major protein of silk, with high biocompatibility and biodegradability, as a useful material for extremely-small-diameter vascular grafts. Methods: A small-sized (0.9 mm inner diameter) graft was braided from a silk fibroin thread. The right carotid arteries of 8- to 14-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were cut at the midpoint, and fibroin grafts (5- to 7-mm in length) were transplanted using a cuff technique with polyimide cuffs. The grafts were harvested at different time points and analyzed histologically. Results: CD31＋ endothelial cells had already started to proliferate at 2 weeks after implantation. At 4 weeks, neointima had formed with α-smooth muscle actin+ cells, and the luminal surface was covered with CD31＋endothelial cells. Mac3＋ macrophages were accumulated in the grafts. Graft patency was confirmed at up to 6 months after implantation. Conclusion: This mouse model of arterial graft implantation enables us to analyze the remodeling process and biocompatibility of extremely-small-diameter vascular grafts. Biodegradable silk fibroin might be applicable for further researches using genetically modified mice