Impact of radiotherapy-related late toxicities of skin and soft tissue in the neck on quality of life in head and neck cancer patients: a multi-institutional observational study in Japan.

Purpose: This multi-institutional observational study aimed to assess the incidence, severity, and impact of radiotherapy-related late toxicities of the cervical skin and soft tissue in head and neck cancer patients. We also explored patient interest in fat grafting as a potential treatment for skin and soft tissue sequelae.

Methods: This study was conducted across 19 institutions in Japan.

Chitin Nanowhisker/Gold Nanocluster Hybrids with an Excellent Dispersion Stability via Poly(ethylene glycol) Grafting.

Hybrid nanoparticles composed of chitin nanowhiskers (ChNWs) and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) having an improved stability were prepared. The grafting of monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and subsequent surface adsorption of AuNCs enabled the steric stabilization of ChNW/AuNC hybrids. mPEGs with terminal formyl groups and diethylacetal protecting groups were grafted via in situ deprotection and reductive amination with the surface amino groups (SAGs) of ChNWs.

Superficial Thoracic Artery Perforator Flap for Volume Replacement Oncoplastic Breast-conserving Surgery.

Lateral chest wall perforator flaps, such as the lateral intercostal artery perforator flap, lateral thoracic artery perforator flap, and thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, have been used for volume replacement oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (VR-OPBCS) in the lateral and central breast. However, there are cases in which these perforators are missing or too thin, making it difficult to raise a flap for partial breast reconstruction. A 58-year-old woman underwent VR-OPBCS for breast cancer in the lower quadrant of the right breast.

Perioperative Factors Aggravating Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis Using the Clavien-Dindo Classification.

Background: Pharyngocutaneous fistula formation represents a major postoperative complication following total laryngectomy. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula development after total laryngectomy and to identify factors that lead to severe cases of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Methods: Patients who underwent total laryngectomy between January 2013 and February 2021 were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups: Those with and without pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Multivisceral transplantation of pelvic organs in rats.

Background: Multivisceral transplantation of pelvic organs would be a potential treatment for severe pelvic floor dysfunction with fecal and urinary incontinence, extensive perineal trauma, or congenital disorders. Here, we describe the microsurgical technique of multivisceral transplantation of pelvic organs, including the pelvic floor, in rats.

Donor Operation: We performed a perineal (including the genitalia, anus, muscles, and ligaments) and abdominal incision.

A Novel Risk Model for Predicting Dysphagia after Tongue Reconstruction: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in Japan.

Background: There is no consensus on the postoperative outcomes of tongue reconstruction. Therefore, the authors developed a novel risk model for predicting dysphagia after tongue reconstruction.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted by the Oral Pharyngeal Esophageal Operation and Reconstruction Analytical, or OPERA, group across 31 cancer centers and university hospitals in Japan.

Groin and anterolateral thigh flaps for hemiglossectomy reconstruction: A comparison based on Japanese speech intelligibility.

Objective: The differences in speech function between groin flap reconstruction and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction after hemiglossectomy have not been clarified to date. This study aimed to compare Japanese speech intelligibility after hemiglossectomy reconstruction using groin and ALT flaps of similar thickness.

Methods: Data of patients who underwent hemiglossectomy reconstruction with groin or ALT flaps between April 2010 and March 2020 were collected from the medical chart database.

Liquid Crystal-Mediated 3D Printing Process to Fabricate Nano-Ordered Layered Structures.

The emergence of three-dimensional (3D) printing promises a disruption in the design and on-demand fabrication of smart structures in applications ranging from functional devices to human organs. However, the scale at which 3D printing excels is within macro- and microlevels and principally lacks the spatial ordering of building blocks at nanolevels, which is vital for most multifunctional devices. Herein, we employ liquid crystal (LC) inks to bridge the gap between the nano- and microscales in a single-step 3D printing.

Anorectal Transplantation: The First Long-term Success in a Canine Model.

Objective: Anorectal transplantation is a challenging procedure but a promising option for patients with weakened or completely absent anorectal function.

Summary Background Data: We constructed a canine model of anorectal transplantation, evaluated the long-term outcomes, and controlled rejection and infection in allotransplantation.

Methods: In the pudendal nerve function study, 6 dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups, transection and anastomosis, and were compared with a control using anorectal manometry, electromyography, and histological examination.

Utility of the evaluation of blood flow of remnant esophagus with indocyanine green in esophagectomy with jejunum reconstruction: Case series.

Background: Pedicled jejunal flap can be utilized with various tips for esophageal reconstruction in patients with a history of gastrectomy or those who have undergone synchronous esophagogastrectomy. However, the rate of anastomosis leakage is high; therefore, we considered the evaluation of blood flow of the remnant esophagus with indocyanine green in setting the anastomosis site.

Methods: Fifty patients who underwent radical esophagectomy with pedicled jejunal flap between January 2011 and June 2020 were identified.

Verification system for intensity-modulated radiation therapy with scintillator.

In the preparation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), patient-specific verification is widely employed to optimize the treatment. To accurately estimate the accumulated dose and obtain the field-by-field or segment-by-segment verification, an original IMRT verification tool using scintillator light and an analysis workflow was developed in this study. The raw light distribution was calibrated with respect to the irradiated field size dependency and light diffusion in the water.

Thorax anthropometric position index: a simple evaluation of the inframammary fold position in the thorax.

Appropriate positioning of the inframammary fold (IMF) is essential for breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively measure and evaluate the anthropometric position of the IMF in the thorax. A total of 145 Japanese women with unilateral breast cancer were analyzed.

Current Incidence and Contamination Sources of Ascariasis in Japan.

Ascaris lumbricoides or roundworm is one of the key soil-transmitted helminths affecting humans. A small number of infections continue to occur in Japan, suggesting plant foodstuff contamination as the source of infection. To understand the current status of ascariasis incidence and to identify potential sources of infection, we extensively surveyed the available literature and collected data from testing facilities that examined clinical samples or foodstuffs.

Cellulose Nanowhisker/Silver Nanoparticle Hybrids Sterically Stabilized by Surface Poly(ethylene glycol) Grafting.

Sterically stabilized hybrids of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafting and subsequent reduction of Ag counterions by sodium borohydride (NaBH) for improved dispersion stability after hybridization. The preparation scheme includes surface carboxylation of CNWs using a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-pyperidinyloxy radical (TEMPO), grafting of monomethoxy PEG (mPEG) amidation mediated by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride or 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride, exchange of countercation of residual carboxyls to Ag, and deposition of AgNPs reduction with NaBH. UV-vis spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses confirmed the successful deposition of AgNPs.

Phase II study of vinorelbine plus carboplatin with concurrent radiotherapy in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. In the current aging society, the establishment of an ideal treatment strategy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer in the elderly is warranted. To assess the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin and vinorelbine in elderly patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Combination of Dual Wavelength Picosecond and Nanosecond Pulse Width Neodymium-Doped Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Lasers for Tattoo Removal.

Background And Objectives: Tattoo removal by laser has been mostly performed using Q-switched laser, which has nanosecond pulse width. In recent years, the efficacy of treatment with picosecond pulse width laser has also been reported.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Using a picosecond-domain, neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser with a potassium-titanyl-phosphate frequency-doubling crystal, we performed a retrospective clinical study with combination treatment using pulse widths of 750 ps and 2 ns.

Changing clinical and molecular characteristics of hepatitis E virus infection in Mie Prefecture, Japan: Disappearance of indigenous subtype 3e strains.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical and molecular characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Mie Prefecture, Japan, from 2004 through 2018.

Methods: The clinical information of hepatitis E cases was collected from 21 medical institutions in Mie Prefecture. The nucleotide sequences of infecting HEV strains were determined for cases with available serum samples.

Exposed Artificial Plate Covered With Perifascial Areolar Tissue as a Nonvascularized Graft.

Perifascial areolar tissue (PAT) is a loose connective tissue on deep fascia, such as on the groin, thigh, or temporal region, which has abundant vascular plexus and mesenchymal stem cells. Nonvascularized PAT grafts can survive even on hypovascular wound beds. Therefore, PAT grafting is a possible alternative to conventional flap surgery to cover exposed bone or artifacts.

Validity of Japanese version of SARC-F questionnaire in patients with chronic liver disease.

Background And Aim: We aimed to examine the validity of the Japanese version of SARC-F questionnaire (SARC-F-J) that employs the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia established by the Japan Society of Hepatology in patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods: Subjects were outpatients at the Department of Hepatology at the Japanese Red Cross Ise Hospital, Japan. Evaluations were performed using the following self-administered questionnaires: SARC-F-J, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC), the Japanese version of the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), and Kaigo-Yobo Checklist (CL).

A 10-year Follow-up Study of a Japanese Family with Ferroportin Disease A: Mild Iron Overload with Mild Hyperferritinemia Co-occurring with Hyperhepcidinemia May Be Benign.

This is a 10-year follow-up study of a family with ferroportin disease A. The proband, a 59-year-old man showed no noteworthy findings with the exception of an abnormal iron level. The proband's 90-year-old father showed reduced abilities in gait and cognition; however, with the exception of his iron level, his biochemistry results were almost normal.

Preservation of rat limbs by hyperbaric carbon monoxide and oxygen.

Cold ischemia times ranging from <6 h to as long as 24 h are generally quoted as the limits for attempting the replantation of amputated extremities. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of hyperbaric carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (O) on rat limb preservation. Donor rat limbs were preserved in a chamber filled with hyperbaric CO and O for 3 days (CO + O 3 days) or 7 days (CO + O 7 days).

Platelet-derived Factor Concentrates with Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds for Treatment of Deep Burn Wounds.

A deep burn wound is a critical condition that generally necessitates vascularized tissue coverage. We performed the injection of platelet-derived factor concentrates combined with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid scaffolds for 2 patients with critical burn wounds with bone and tendon exposure and achieved successful healing. Hyaluronic acid was considered to have served as a controlled-release carrier of platelet-derived factors, being clinically effective for the treatment of deep burn wounds.

Allogeneic anorectal transplantation in rats: technical considerations and preliminary results.

Fecal incontinence is a challenging condition with numerous available treatment modalities. Success rates vary across these modalities, and permanent colostomy is often indicated when they fail. For these cases, a novel potential therapeutic strategy is anorectal transplantation (ATx).

Superficial circumflex iliac artery pure skin perforator-based superthin flap for hand and finger reconstruction.

For hand and finger reconstruction, thin and flexible skin coverage is ideally required. A free flap is one of the surgical options used for large defects. However, a flap containing the fat layer is bulky.