A Trajectory Close to the Anterolateral Vertebral Wall Becomes a Risk Factor for Intravascular Cement Leakage During Insertion of Cement-Augmented Fenestrated Pedicle Screws.

Objective: We aim to identify the characteristics and risk factors of intravascular cement leakage (CL) in cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw (CAFPS) insertion, particularly focusing on screw trajectory, bone density, and vertebral body volume.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 41 patients who underwent spinal fixation surgery with CAFPS from June 2022 to November 2024. Intravascular cement leakage (CL) was assessed using postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans.

Chimeric SF-25 monoclonal antibody as a targeted therapy for SLC3A2 in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.

The SF-25 antigen (SF-25 Ag), which functions as the amino acid transporter solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), is essential for regulatory T (Treg) cell maintenance and is highly expressed in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) cells. We analyzed SF-25 Ag expression in CD4+peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from 28 ATL patients, 52 healthy human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) carriers, and eight non-infected individuals. Inverse polymerase chain reaction was used to detect monoclonal integration of HTLV-1 proviral DNA.

Abnormal Paravertebral Muscle Activity and Cervical Extensor Muscle Condition Affect Dynamic Spinal Balance during Gait in Dropped Head Syndrome.

Introduction: The pathogenesis of dropped head syndrome (DHS) involves factors like fat infiltration of the cervical extensor muscle, cervical degeneration, and sarcopenia, which are typically assessed using conventional imaging. Previous studies have demonstrated cervical and thoracic anterior tilt deterioration during gait in patients with DHS. However, the relationship between dynamic spinal balance and conventional imaging findings has not been investigated.

Nationwide surveillance of antibacterial susceptibility in bacterial respiratory pathogens in Japan, 2022-2023.

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) have become a major global concern. This nationwide surveillance study, conducted by the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy, Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases, and Japanese Society for Clinical Microbiology from 2022 to 2023, examined the antimicrobial susceptibility of respiratory pathogens. A total of 1057 bacterial isolates from 28 medical institutions, predominantly tertiary medical centers, were analyzed.

An Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Patient with von Willebrand Disease Successfully Treated with Robotic Hepatectomy under von Willebrand Factor Supplementation.

Introduction: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the second most common inherited coagulation disorder, and appropriate perioperative management is necessary when considering major surgery. There are few reports of patients with VWD who have undergone hepatectomy, especially minimally invasive hepatectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with VWD who successfully underwent robotic hepatectomy with von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII) supplementation.

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study on neuropathic pain in patients with cancer in Japan.

Background: Some patients with cancer experience cancer-related neuropathic pain. This study investigated the prevalence of possible neuropathic pain in patients with cancer.

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study recruited adult participants with stage ≥II cancer in Japan between June and November 2024.

High Serum Ferritin Levels Are Associated with Sarcopenia in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis.

Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently receive oral or intravenous iron supplementation to treat iron-deficiency anemia and enhance the efficacy of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. However, this approach may lead to iron overload. Experimental studies have suggested that iron overload may contribute to the development of sarcopenia through oxidative stress and inflammation.

Elevated Serum Creatine Kinase During the Treatment of Patients with Graves' Disease with Antithyroid Drugs: New Insights into an Old Issue.

Serum creatine kinase (CK) elevation can occur in some patients with Graves' disease treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs). This study retrospectively investigated clinical characteristics and biochemical data of patients with Graves' disease who experienced serum CK elevation during ATD treatment. CK elevation was observed in 29.

Predictive factors for bladder function recovery following cervical OPLL surgery: a comprehensive analysis.

Background Context: Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, a condition affecting both bladder storage and voiding function, remains a primary source of morbidity in patients with cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligaments (OPLL). Prognosticating the functional outcomes of bladder function postoperatively in patients with cervical OPLL is crucial for patient counseling, rehabilitation planning, and discharge protocols. However, a validated prediction model for bladder function outcomes is currently unavailable.

The Effect of Trial Numbers on Prism Adaptation: A Study of Pure Cerebellar Spinocerebellar Degeneration and Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Prism adaptation is used to study the cerebellar adaptive functions in neurological disorders. Previous papers reported that the number of prism exposure trials affected retention of the adaptation. However, it has not been studied how the trial number affects prism adaptation performances, especially its retention, in neurological disorders.

The JRS guideline for the management of pneumonia in adults 2024.

The Japanese Respiratory Society published the Adult Pneumonia Practice Guidelines 2024 in April 2024. In Japan, a super-aged society, the disease burden of pneumonia is significant and is expected to grow in the future. Given this historical context, the most important themes in this revision of the guidelines include the appropriate use of antibiotics and measures against pneumonia in older adults.

Three-dimensional gait analysis reveals differences in spinal balance and muscle activity during prolonged walking in patients with dropped head syndrome based on global spinal alignment.

Purpose: No studies have elucidated the dynamic spinal balance in patients with dropped head syndrome (DHS) categorized by global spinal alignment. We investigated the differences in dynamic spinal balance and corresponding muscle activity during prolonged walking in patients with DHS based on their global spinal alignment.

Methods: Three-dimensional gait analysis combined with electromyography was conducted to evaluate kinematic spinal parameters during walking, including the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) in the cervical (C-SVA), thoracic (T-SVA), and lumbar (L-SVA) regions, along with the muscle activity.

Measurement of gait by an in-shoe motion sensor system: feasibility and potential application in healthy adults and patients with orthopedic diseases.

Background: Gait varies in accordance with several factors, including age, gender, and the presence of disease. A recently developed system allows the convenient measurement of gait using in-shoe motion sensors and a smartphone application. Here, this system was used to measure seven gait parameters in 40 healthy adults and 45 patients with orthopedic disorders.

Risk factors for the onset of pneumothorax in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Background: Pneumothorax is a serious complication in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to clarify the clinical course of and risk factors for pneumothorax in patients with IPF.

Methods: This was a retrospective, cohort study of 164 patients with IPF diagnosed based on relevant guideline criteria.

Nationwide analysis of spinal surgery in Japan from 1994 to 2021.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to compare the latest 2021 survey data with findings from 1994, 2001, and 2011 to elucidate the trends and transformations in spinal surgery over the past quarter-century.

Methods: Data from the 2021 survey were compared with retrospective data from previous surveys. The 2021 survey collected data on patient demographics, surgical techniques, and perioperative complications of spinal surgeries performed in November 2021 from 739 facilities.

Japanese 2021 nationwide survey on complications from spine surgery.

Purpose: To provide an updated analysis of perioperative complications, patient demographics, and surgical techniques in spinal surgeries across Japan and examine their impact on risk management.

Methods: Data were collected prospectively from 739 of 1,106 registered facilities across Japan using the JSSR database. All spinal surgeries conducted in November 2021 were included, capturing complications within 1 month post-surgery.

[A CASE OF VACUOLES, E1 ENZYME, X-LINKED, AUTOINFLAMMATORY, SOMATIC (VEXAS) SYNDROME PRESENTING WITH DIVERSE PULMONARY LESIONS OVER TIME].

Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease caused by somatic mutations in the ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1 gene located on the X chromosome. Due to its diverse clinical manifestations, it is often misdiagnosed as other conditions, particularly relapsing polychondritis (RP), with which it shares several clinical features, complicating the differential diagnosis. Unlike RP, however, VEXAS syndrome is characterized by dynamic and variable pulmonary lesions that can serve as a diagnostic clue.

Reconstruction of lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow using iliotibial tract graft simultaneously with free anterolateral thigh flap for extensive soft tissue defects of the lateral elbow.

Soft-tissue defects around the elbow present challenges in reconstructive surgery. We report the case of a 26-year-old man with extensive lateral elbow soft tissue defects, irreparable lateral epicondyle and lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) damage, and radial head and forearm extensor muscle deficiencies. Treatment involved a free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for soft tissue and an iliotibial tract graft for LCLC reconstruction.

Incidence and risk factors of dysphagia after cervical laminoplasty.

Dysphagia is a known complication following anterior cervical spine surgery, but it has also been reported after laminoplasty. We sought to determine the incidence of dysphagia following cervical laminoplasty. Prospective, multicenter, observational study of patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty or posterior lumbar spinal surgery between April 2022 and May 2024.

Acute Transient Thyroid Cracking: A Proposal of a New Disease Entity as a Mild Form of Acute Transient Thyroid Swelling.

This study aims to investigate the clinical and ultrasonographic features of thyroid swelling following fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), and to distinguish between symptomatic and asymptomatic forms. We retrospectively reviewed 872 patients who underwent thyroid ultrasonography before and after FNAB between January and November 2024. Patients showing new hypoechoic cracking after FNAB were identified.

Usefulness of Spleen Index and Alkaline Phosphatase Level for Predicting Post-Liver Biopsy Bleeding.

Aims: The significance of liver biopsy is increasing with an increase in chronic liver disease and gene panel testing. Although non-invasive methods such as elastography and biomarkers assess liver fibrosis, biopsy remains the definitive diagnostic gold standard. We evaluated the predictors of bleeding complications in liver biopsies.

Double Checkrein Deformity of the Hallux Involving Both Flexor and Extensor Tendons: A Case Report.

Case: We present a rare case of a 26-year-old woman with double checkrein deformity involving both the extensor and flexor tendons, secondary to compartment syndrome. The patient experienced hallux and lesser toe deformities, limiting mobility and causing painful callosities. Surgical correction involved the flexor hallucis longus tenotomy and the extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus tendon lengthening, leading to significant functional improvement and resolution of symptoms at 2-year follow-up.

[Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma that developed 20 years after breast reconstruction and was successfully treated with chemotherapy].

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a type of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, that was first described in the revised 4th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors released in 2017. The textured implants are thought to form bacterial biofilm and cause chronic inflammation, which may be associated with tumorigenesis. We present a 50-year-old woman who had a past medical history of breast reconstruction with the implant 20 years ago.

Posterior fixation for pyogenic spondylitis following osteoporotic vertebral fracture: A retrospective study of five challenging cases.

Background: Pyogenic spondylitis following osteoporotic vertebral fracture is rare but serious with a poor clinical outcome. Although posterior fixation is an effective treatment for pyogenic spondylitis, surgical outcomes following osteoporotic vertebral fractures remain largely unreported. We present the outcomes of five challenging cases treated with posterior fixation.