In a randomized pivotal global phase III study, S-1 and oxaliplatin 100mg/m (SOX100) combination chemotherapy was as effective as S-1 and cisplatin for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and showed a favorable safety profile. In this phase II study, we analyzed survival outcomes to assess the efficacy and safety of the SOX regimen with oxaliplatin 130mg/m (SOX130) in AGC. Patients with HER2-negative AGC received 80mg/m /day S-1 orally on days 1-14 and 130mg/m oxaliplatin intravenously on day 1 of each 21-day cycle until the criteria for treatment withdrawal were fulfilled. The primary endpoint was the response rate (RR), and the null hypothesis of RR in the current trial was 45%. The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Adverse events (AEs) were recorded according to CTCAE version 4.0. Seventy-one patients were enrolled from June 2015 to November 2016, but eight were excluded for ineligibility. Therefore, all final analyses were conducted with 63 patients. The confirmed RR was 46.0% (90% confidence interval [CI] 36.1-56.3), and the disease control rate was 77.8% (90% CI 68.1-85.1). The median PFS and OS were 4.9 (95% CI 4.2-7.1) and 14.8 (95% CI 11.1-18.9) months, respectively. Incidences of grade 3-4 AEs > 10% were anorexia (19.0%), peripheral neuropathy (12.7%), nausea (11.1%), and thrombocytopenia (11.1%). This study represents the first evaluation of SOX130 in patients with HER2-negative AGC. SOX130 showed an acceptable safety profile, but the prespecified statistical efficacy targets were not achieved.This study represents the first evaluation of SOX130 in patients with HER2-negative AGC. SOX130 showed an acceptable safety profile, but the prespecified statistical efficacy targets were not achieved.Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared to be a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. On April 7, 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Japan, as had been by other nations worldwide. This unprecedented crisis has profound implications for patients undergoing chemotherapy and for practicing healthcare professionals. Various reports have shown data indicating that cancer patients with COVID-19 have high morbidity and mortality rates. In order to reduce the use of medical resources to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infections in both cancer patients and health care providers, oncologists now have to draw the line for cancer treatments by maintaining their efficacy while avoiding severe adverse events. In this article, we outlined the decisions made regarding the practice of gastrointestinal oncology in our institution during the COVID pandemic. Effective treatments for pediatric obesity are limited. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have emerged as therapeutic agents for obesity in adults and have shown benefits outside of weight loss. Here we explore the evidence for GLP-1R agonist use in pediatric obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that GLP-1R agonists have a role in pediatric obesity treatment. A recently published, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found a greater reduction in BMI z-score (- 0.22 SDs) in adolescents receiving liraglutide compared with placebo. As in adults, gastrointestinal adverse effects were commonly seen. GLP-1R agonists appear to perform favorably compared with other approved pharmacological agents for pediatric obesity. selleck chemicals However, heterogeneity in weight loss response, cost, side effects, and need for injections may limit their use in many pediatric patients. Rather than broadly applying this therapy if it is approved, we suggest careful patient selection and monitoring by clinicians pending further studies.Emerging evidence suggests that GLP-1R agonists have a role in pediatric obesity treatment. A recently published, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found a greater reduction in BMI z-score (- 0.22 SDs) in adolescents receiving liraglutide compared with placebo. As in adults, gastrointestinal adverse effects were commonly seen. GLP-1R agonists appear to perform favorably compared with other approved pharmacological agents for pediatric obesity. However, heterogeneity in weight loss response, cost, side effects, and need for injections may limit their use in many pediatric patients. Rather than broadly applying this therapy if it is approved, we suggest careful patient selection and monitoring by clinicians pending further studies.Age-related macular degeneration, precisely neovascular form, is the leading cause of vision loss and the key treatment includes intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. A method to increase local concentration of drug at posterior segment of the eye and to reduce the frequency of intravitreal injections is an unmet need. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenol, was loaded in PLGA polymeric nanoparticles to study their sustained release property and effectiveness in reducing expression of VEGF protein in vitro. Nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, DSC, size, encapsulation efficiency, TEM, and in vitro drug release studies. Using MTT assay, the cytotoxicity of formulation was evaluated on ARPE-19 cells. The cellular uptake and VEGF expression levels were also evaluated in in vitro settings. The optimized formulation had a particle size of 102.7 nm with - 47.30 mV of zeta potential. Entrapment efficiency was found to be 65.21%. The cell viability results suggested compatibility of developed formulation. Cellular uptake and VEGF expression levels for the formulated nanoparticles specified that the developed formulation showed potential cellular uptake and had displayed anti-angiogenic property by inhibiting VEGF expression in vitro. The results showed successful development of resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles which may be used for neovascular AMD treatment alone or in combination with anti-VEGF agents. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is believed to be a source for thrombus formation and an ancillary structure involved in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). LAA ligation has been proposed as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of AF. This study will determine the feasibility of a percutaneous epicardial approach for LAA ligation. The pericardium of 5 dogs was accessed via percutaneous subxyphoid approach. A 20F epicardial cannula was inserted into the pericardial space and contrast-injected to visualize the LAA. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a suction cup catheter was inserted and attached to the LAA. A 12F snare device was inserted over the vacuum cup to ligate the LAA. The closure of the LAA was verified with LA angiography, in the first 2 dogs, and ICE in all 5 animals. All animals were sacrificed for post hoc assessment of LAA closure. All 5 dogs underwent successful epicardial suture ligation of the LAA. In the first 2 dogs, LA angiography demonstrated complete closure of the LAA.