Deuterium labelling to extract local stereochemical information by VCD spectroscopy in the C-D stretching region: a case study of sugars.

Stereochemical elucidation of molecules with multiple chiral centers is difficult. Even with VCD spectroscopy, excluding all but one diastereomeric structural candidate is challenging because the stereochemical inversion of one chiral center among many centers does not always result in noticeable differences in their VCD spectra. This work demonstrates that the introduction of a suitable VCD chromophore with absorption in the 2300-1900 cm region can be used for extracting local stereochemical information and for the stereochemical assignment of the C-1 position of various sugars as a case study.

Chd4 choreographs self-antigen expression for central immune tolerance.

Autoreactive T cells are eliminated in the thymus to prevent autoimmunity by promiscuous expression of tissue-restricted self-antigens in medullary thymic epithelial cells. This expression is dependent on the transcription factor Fezf2, as well as the transcriptional regulator Aire, but the entire picture of the transcriptional program has been obscure. Here, we found that the chromatin remodeler Chd4, also called Mi-2β, plays a key role in the self-antigen expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells.

Comparison of Treatment Outcomes after Collagenase Injection and Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren's Contracture: Objective and Subjective Comparisons with a 3-Year Follow-Up.

Background: This study compared the effectiveness of injectable collagenase clostridium histolyticum and percutaneous needle fasciotomy in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.

Methods: Patients with a total passive extension deficit of 30 degrees or more in a single digital ray were enrolled and assigned randomly to receive either collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections or percutaneous needle fasciotomy. Preoperative severity of proximal interphalangeal joint contracture for Dupuytren's disease was classified according to the British Society for Surgery of the Hand as less than 30 degrees (stage I) or 30 degrees or more (stage II).

Effect of Oral Prednisolone after Collagenase Injection for Dupuytren's Contracture: A Randomized, Controlled Trial with a 1-Year Follow-Up.

 This study verified the effectiveness of oral prednisolone after collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) (10 mg/day for 2 weeks) for Dupuytren's contracture with a 1-year follow-up.  This study included 31 patients with a contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint of ≥ 30 degrees. A total of 16 patients were allocated randomly to treatment with prednisolone and 15 patients were treated without prednisolone (control group).

Outer Membrane Protein of Gut Commensal Microorganism Induces Autoantibody Production and Extra-Intestinal Gland Inflammation in Mice.

Gut commensal microorganisms have been linked with chronic inflammation at the extra-intestinal niche of the body. The object of the study was to investigate on the chronic effects of a gut commensal on extra-intestinal glands. The presence of autoimmune response was diagnosed by autoantibody levels and histological methods.

Development and evaluation of an overseas clinical rotation program for undergraduate pharmacy students in Japan.

Background And Purpose: Internationalization of pharmacists, as well as pharmacy students, in terms of both the knowledge to care for international patients and to have medical information literacy, is a current concern in Japan.

Educational Activity And Setting: Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy has developed an elective course for pharmacy students, based on written agreements with the United States and Thailand that establish a student clinical rotation exchange program. The exchange program lasts for four to six weeks and involves clinical rotations in hospitals abroad during the students' sixth year.

Dual Plating Technique for Volar Rim Fracture of the Distal Radius Using DePuy-Synthes 2.0 m and 2.4 mm Locking Plates.

Background: To assess the surgical results of distal radius fractures with the involvement of a volar rim fragment using the DePuy-Synthes 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm locking plates.

Management of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures: Volar or Dorsal Locking Plate-Which Has Fewer Complications?

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes and complications of volar and dorsal plating for the management of intra-articular distal radius fractures, with special regard to indications for dorsal plating. Furthermore, we examine the rationale for choosing dorsal plating and its frequency of use.

Methods: Clinical assessments included range of motion measurements at the wrist; grip strength; the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score; and the Gartland and Werley score.

Asymptomatic Flexor Tendon Damages after Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: To investigate asymptomatic flexor tendon damages after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures in 32 wrists of 32 patients with distal radius fractures fixed using two plate types. Sixteen patients received the Acu-Loc volar distal radius plate, and the remaining 16 patients received the Aptus distal radius correction plate.

Methods: The flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and flexor digitorum profundus were evaluated according to intraoperative findings at plate removal.

Novel Suture Anchor Technique with Continuous Locking Stitch for Collateral Ligament Repair.

Collateral ligaments are difficult to repair due to large amount of fraying in detached ligaments and attenuated stumps that may not provide enough strength after the repair. Although strong locking sutures are used to repair the ligament with proper tension, these damages can cause pull-out failure or relaxation of the repaired ligaments even from undersized load that may extend postoperative splinting or casting time. Furthermore, current suture techniques can repair varus or valgus instability of the elbow and radial or ulnar instability of the fingers, but these techniques do not offer rotatory stability of these areas.

Closed mallet thumb injury: Our experience of 10 patients treated with surgery and a systematic review.

Objective: This retrospective study reports 10 patients with closed mallet thumb injury treated with surgery and compares the clinical outcomes achieved with those of previously described patients who were treated with either conservative therapy or surgery.

Methods: We report the outcomes of a series of 10 patients who received surgical treatment at our institutions. Due to the rarity of closed mallet thumb, a systematic review was conducted, and the results of a literature search were compared with our case series to strengthen our conclusions.

Clinical results of a percutaneous technique for trigger digit release using a 25-gauge hypodermic needle with corticosteroid infiltration.

Clinical results of a percutaneous needle trigger digit release (PNTDR) technique using a 25-gauge needle with corticosteroid infiltration are reported. This prospective study assessed 52 digits that underwent PNTDR. Experimental results were compared with those of a control group with only steroid injection.

A Simple, Easy, and Reliable Technique of Phalangeal Corrective Osteotomy for Overlapping Fingers.

Background: The theory that malrotation is best assessed by making a fist and looking for digital overlap was the basis for devising a simple, easy, and reliable technique for phalangeal corrective osteotomy.

Methods: This study assessed the phalangeal corrective osteotomy technique in 7 digits, involving 7 cases in 6 patients; 1 patient required treatment bilaterally. This technique required the use of a small hologram 2-row plate and screws to maintain stable fixation during aggressive postoperative therapy.

Clinical Results of Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren's Disease in Japanese Patients.

Background: Clinical results of percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) in Japanese patients with Dupuytren's disease are reported.

Methods: In this prospective study, 51 patients (103 fingers: 1 index, 9 middle, 47 ring, and 46 small) underwent PNF at 99 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and 68 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Patients were assessed postoperatively after 1 day, at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Surgical Technique and Clinical Results for Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis Using Locking Plate Fixation in Women Aged 50 Years or Older.

Background: The authors hypothesized that locking plates have the potential to decrease the risk of nonunion for trapeziometacarpal joint arthrodesis and eliminate the period of postoperative immobilization. The surgical technique is described and the clinical results are reported for Eaton stage III trapeziometacarpal joint arthrodesis using locking plate fixation in elderly women.

Methods: The outcomes of 18 fusion operations with a 2-year follow-up were assessed during this prospective study.

A case report of acute cubital tunnel syndrome caused by venous thrombosis.

Compression neuropathy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow is well-recognised as cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). Many causes of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow have been identified. A previously unreported finding of ulnar nerve compression in the cubital tunnel caused by a thrombosed proximal ulnar recurrent artery vena comitans is described.

Elucidation of molybdosilicate complexes in the molybdate yellow method by ESI-MS.

The formation of molybdosilicate in the molybdate yellow method is elucidated by ESI-MS. Polymeric silicic acids were hydrolyzed to monomers, and molybdosilicates with a Keggin structure were formed. Each step of the formation reaction of molybdosilicate from molybdic and silicic acids between pH 1 and 2 was clarified by ESI-MS at the molecular level.

Thumb opposition in severe carpal tunnel syndrome with undetectable APB-CMAP.

Thumb opposition does not always represent the function of the median nerve due to variations in thenar muscle innervation. One hundred and thirty hands of 109 idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients with an undetectable compound muscle action potential of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB-CMAP) were classified into one of four groups; Type 1 (86.2%) had thenar muscle atrophy and could not perform thumb opposition; Type 2 (10.

[Survey report on magnetic resonance equipment damage in areas in Miyagi Prefecture affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake].

A questionnaire comprising 14 items, inquiring about the state of damage, whether safety could be ensured, and progress of repair and restoration was distributed to 984 facilities in seven prefectures on the Pacific coast as part of a fact-finding survey of damage caused to magnetic resonance (MR) devices by the Great East Japan Earthquake. In all, 458 responses (46.6%) were collected.

Metastasis to the choroid plexus from thyroid cancer: case report.

Thyroid cancer is not a common primary cancer causing intracranial metastasis. Here we report a 74-year-old woman with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrating a 4 cm round, heterogeneously enhancing mass in the trigone of the right lateral ventricle. Systemic screening by computed tomography (CT) examination detected a 20 mm nodule with calcification in the thyroid, multiple well circumscribed nodules in bilateral lung filed, and a bone metastasis to the right dorsal rib.

Bone temperature elevation by drilling friction and neurological outcome in the cervical spino-laminoplasty.

Background: Drill-induced heat has been suspected as a cause of tissue injury, and there are ample experimental data to substantiate the implication. However, no clinical results have been presented with measurement of temperature in the vicinity of neural structures during the actual spinal procedures.

Methods: Using a thermocouple, temperature in the gutters drilled in the midline and the lateral margins of the lamina was monitored closely in 61 patients, who underwent the French-door style of cervical spino-laminoplasty.

Effectiveness of a 1-day aspiration plus Gamma Knife surgery procedure for metastatic brain tumor with a cystic component.

Object: Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) has gained increasing relevance in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors, but many metastatic tumors contain a large cystic component and often exceed the size limit for GKS. For such lesions, the authors adopted a procedure in which stereotactic aspiration is first performed and followed immediately by GKS on the same day. In this paper, the authors describe this 1-day combined procedure and evaluate its efficacy.

Production of a reactive metabolite of troglitazone by electrochemical oxidation performed in nonaqueous medium.

In order to confirm the existence of reactive metabolites by LC-MS/MS analysis, they should be modified into stable compounds, because some reactive metabolites generated by biotransformation induce drug toxicity; however, they are unstable, with very short lives, and cannot be detected in their intact forms. To overcome these problems, electrochemical oxidation of troglitazone was performed in nonaqueous medium, since such reactive compounds are stable in the absence of water. Troglitazone, an antidiabetic agent, was withdrawn from the market because of serious hepatotoxicity in some patients.