Changes in Physical Function After Long Corrective Fusion to the Ilium for Female Patients With Adult Spinal Deformity.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Objective: To investigate longitudinal changes in physical functional status after long corrective fusion in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) during 2 years of follow-up.

Background: In ASD surgery, reports assessing physical functional status in long-term observations for more than a year are lacking.

Clinical Evaluation of Initial Experiences With the Qualitative Dual Detection of Core Antigen and Antibodies Immunoassay for Hepatitis C Virus Screening Test.

Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a global health concern. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a strategy to eliminate HCV by 2030, Japan faces challenges owing to limited access and insufficient support for high-risk populations. Previously, HCV diagnoses required a two-step process, delaying results and increasing costs.

Passive stiffness of the biarticular hamstring muscles could acutely decrease after eccentric-only resistance exercise, but not after passive muscle lengthening: Effects of exercise load.

This study aimed to investigate the acute changes in the passive stiffness of biarticular hamstring muscles after passive stretching and eccentric-only resistance exercise performed at different loads. Thirteen healthy young male participants performed four exercise sessions (on separate days) that comprised passive knee extension (0% of maximal eccentric torque) and eccentric-only knee flexion at different loads (25%, 50% and 75%). Maximal knee joint range of motion, passive torque, shear moduli of the biarticular hamstring muscles, and maximal isometric torque were measured before, 5 min, and 30 min after completing each session.

Real-world treatment for systemic sclerosis and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: information from a Japanese hospital claims database.

ObjectivesThe 2023 EULAR guidelines for systemic sclerosis (SSc) newly recommend biologics (rituximab, tocilizumab), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and nintedanib in addition to cyclophosphamide for interstitial lung disease (ILD). This study investigated recent actual use of these drugs in Japan. MethodsWe analysed data from a Japanese hospital claims database (2020-2023), identifying patients with SSc disease codes (ICD-10 M34.

Consequences of reported β-lactam allergy on perioperative outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical site infection risk.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of reported β-lactam allergy on the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), given that most reported cases are unverified and may lead to suboptimal antibiotic prophylaxis.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Four databases were systematically searched for studies reporting SSI rates in patients with and without β-lactam allergy.

Impact of TP53, KRAS, and APC Mutations on Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Outcomes in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

Despite recent advances in neoadjuvant strategies for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), optimal chemotherapy regimens and the role of genetic biomarkers in guiding treatment remain unclear. Moreover, predictive markers are urgently needed for radiation-sparing strategies. Therefore, we aimed to assess the predictive and prognostic value of TP53, KRAS, and APC mutations in patients with LARC undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) by retrospectively analyzing 43 patients with LARC who underwent NACT without radiation.

Microautophagy: definition, classification, and the complexity of the underlying mechanisms.

Recently, rapid progress in the field of microautophagy (MI-autophagy) revealed the existence of multiple subtypes that differ in both intracellular membrane dynamics and molecular mechanisms. As a result, a single umbrella term "microautophagy" has become too vague, even creating some confusion among researchers both within and outside the field. We herein describe different subtypes of MI-autophagic processes and propose a systematic approach for naming them more accurately.

Identification of amino acids essential for angulin-1/3 binding of the tricellular tight junction binder, angubindin-1.

Tight junctions (TJs) are formed where two or three cells meet and are therefore categorized, respectively, into bicellular TJs (bTJs) and tricellular TJs (tTJs). Angubindin-1 is the first tTJ modulator enhancing intestinal macromolecule permeation via binding to the key tTJ proteins, angulin-1 and angulin-3. It is a fragment (amino acids 421-664) derived from domain IV of Clostridium perfringens iota toxin.

Molecular Insights into the Pathophysiology of Dysregulated Erythropoiesis: The Crucial Role of Iron Homeostasis.

Erythropoiesis, i.e., process of red blood cell (RBC) production, is highly dependent on iron, with 60-70% of the total body iron incorporated into hemoglobin.

Characterization of Fluorescent Reporters for Flow Cytometry-Based Single-Cell Studies in .

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are commonly used as reporters to examine intracellular genetic, molecular, and biochemical status. Flow cytometry is a powerful technique for accurate quantification of single-cell fluorescent levels. Here, we characterize green, red, and blue FPs for use in yeast .

Prognostic models for radiation-induced complications after radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients.

Background: Radiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) but may induce various side effects on surrounding normal tissues. To reach an optimal balance between tumour control and toxicity prevention, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models have been reported to predict the risk of radiation-induced side effects in patients with HNC. However, the quality of study design, conduct, and analysis (i.

Real-Time Continuous Tongue Pressure Measurement With Mouthguard-Type Pressure-Sensing Device.

Objective: It is well-established that occlusion and dental arch form are related to the morphology and function of the oral soft tissues. Oral soft tissue dynamic assessment is important for elucidating the causes of malocclusion and developing effective treatment methods. We previously developed a small mouthguard-type sensing device for measuring oral soft tissue pressure; however, its continuous measurement performance had not been thoroughly evaluated.

Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Combination With Platinum-Based Doublet Chemotherapy for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients With Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-Performance Status 2-3: A Single-Institution Retrospective Study.

Background: The prognosis of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains poor, particularly in patients with extensive-stage SCLC. The IMpower133 and CASPIAN trials revealed the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in extensive-stage SCLC patients with good performance status (PS). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ICIs in patients with poor PS.

Disentangling temporal trends of clade Ib monkeypox virus transmission in Burundi.

Utilising mpox case data from Burundi between August 2024 and April 2025, we calibrated a mathematical model to quantify the temporal trends of clade Ib monkeypox virus transmission. The model outputs indicated a declining overall transmission trend. Children aged 0-4 and 5-9 years were estimated to be at higher risk of infection compared to older age groups, while sexual contact was inferred to contribute up to 50% of the overall transmission.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection With Pulmonary Hypoplasia Secondary to Massive Ascites and Oligohydramnios: A Case Report.

A woman, gravida 5, para 3, presented with fetal ascites at 19 weeks of gestation. Urinary ascites was initially suspected because of massive ascites and oligohydramnios; however, biochemical analysis of fetal ascites was inconsistent with this diagnosis. A peritoneal-amniotic shunt was placed to prevent pulmonary hypoplasia.

Characteristics and Risk Factors of Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome in Patients With Hay Fever: A Digital Cross-Sectional Cohort Study Using AllerSearch.

Background And Objectives: Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a frequent comorbidity in individuals with hay fever. Identifying risk factors and allergen clusters can aid targeted interventions and management strategies. Objective: This study characterizes PFAS in patients with hay fever and identifies associated risk factors using the mobile health platform, AllerSearch.

Drug-Eluting Resorbable Scaffold Versus Balloon Angioplasty for Below-the-Knee Peripheral Artery Disease: 2-Year Results From the LIFE-BTK Trial.

Background: Limited treatment options exist for infrapopliteal disease in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), a condition associated with a high risk of limb loss. Interventional management of diseased infrapopliteal vessels with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is associated with high rates of restenosis and reintervention. In the LIFE-BTK trial, the drug-eluting resorbable scaffold (DRS) demonstrated superior 12-month efficacy compared with PTA in a selected CLTI population with predominantly noncomplex, mildly to moderately calcified lesions.

Ultrasonic pulse repetition rates triggering escape responses of a moth pest.

Background: The coevolutionary arms race between echolocating bats and tympanate moths has driven the evolution of ultrasound-mediated escape behaviors in moths. Bat-emitted ultrasonic pulses vary in sound intensity and temporal structure, with pulse repetition rate (PRR) which intrinsically encode critical information about predation risk, i.e.

Restless Eyes at Night: A Novel Variant of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder that primarily affects the lower extremities. This condition is characterized by unpleasant sensations and an irresistible urge to move the affected body regions, typically during periods of rest or at night. While RLS most commonly involves the legs, atypical variants affecting other body parts, including the arms, abdomen, face, and even the head, have increasingly been reported.

Species-specific gene expression manipulation in humanized livers of chimeric mice via siRNA-encapsulated lipid nanoparticle treatment.

Liver-humanized chimeric mice (PXB-mice) are widely utilized for predicting human pharmacokinetics (PK) and as human disease models. However, residual metabolic activity of mouse hepatocytes in chimeric mice can interfere with accurate human PK estimation. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment makes it possible to eliminate the shortcomings of chimeras and create new models.

Current Status of Acupuncture Safety Promotion Strategies in Japan.

Introduction: The Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (JSAM) and experts on the safety of acupuncture and moxibustion (AM) in Japan have focused on safety improvement among acupuncturists, moxibustionists (AMists), and AM-practicing physicians. This article provides an overview of the activities conducted by academic experts in AM safety, primarily from the JSAM, to improve AM safety.

Discussion: The JSAM formed the Safety Committee in 1998 to collect data regarding AM-related adverse events, provide relevant information to members, and conduct educational activities to prevent malpractice.

Analysis of Adverse Events in Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatments in Japan and the Current Situation of Hiroshima University Hospital Kampo Clinical Center.

Background: Acupuncture and moxibustion (AM) are effective for pain relief and chronic disease management but carry risks of adverse events (AEs). Japan prioritizes AM safety, and Hiroshima University Hospital Kampo Clinical Center (HUHKCC) follows strict professional standards to ensure both safety and efficacy.

Objectives: The study analyzes AM-related AEs in Japan over the past decade, compares them with HUHKCC practices, and proposes risk mitigation strategies.

Impact of the ATM/Chk2 pathway and cell cycle phase on radiation-induced senescence in A549 human lung cancer cells.

Cell senescence is a state of stable proliferation arrest characterized by morphological changes and high senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity. Inducing senescence in cancer cells is beneficial for cancer therapy due to proliferation arrest, however, the mechanisms underlying this process remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the mechanisms of radiation-induced cellular senescence in A549 human lung cancer cells, focusing on the DNA damage response and cell cycle regulation.