Effect of Bone Resorption Inhibitors on Serum Cholesterol Level and Fracture Risk in Osteoporosis: Randomized Comparative Study Between Minodronic Acid and Raloxifene.

The positive link between osteoporosis and hypercholesterolemia has been documented, and bone resorption inhibitors, such as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), are known to reduce serum cholesterol levels. However, the relationship between the baseline cholesterol level and incident fracture rate under the treatment using the bone resorption inhibitors has not been documented. We investigated the relation between vertebral fracture incident and the baseline cholesterol levels and cholesterol-lowering effect of N-BP and SERM in osteoporosis through a prospective randomized open-label study design.

Effects of Conditioned Medium of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Exposed to Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Expression of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Angiogenesis by Endothelial Cells.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are known to secrete angiogenic factors that contribute to the treatment of intractable ulcers. The combination of PRP and ADSCs may enhance their angiogenic effects. However, it remains unclear whether treatment of ADSCs with PRP influences angiogenesis.

Report from an online workshop on family physician socialization: Reaffirmation using a hypothetical case.

This letter provides a report of our online workshop on the professional socialization of family physicians attended by family medicine residents and staff doctors in Japan. Participants engaged in small group discussions after reading hypothetical cases that threatened the identity of family physicians. Participants considered the importance of reaffirming and improving their strengths during discussions.

Advanced Reconstruction of Vesicourethral Support May Improve Urinary Continence and Quality of Life After Non-nerve-sparing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

Background/aim: Postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QOL). Several surgical techniques have been reported to improve postoperative UI. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of advanced reconstruction of vesicourethral support (ARVUS) on urinary symptoms and QOL after non-nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

TYRO3 promotes chemoresistance via increased LC3 expression in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with few treatment options, and improved treatment strategies are urgently required. TYRO3, a member of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family, is a known oncogene; however, the relationship between TYRO3 expression and PC chemoresistance remains to be elucidated. We performed gain- and loss-of-function experiments on TYRO3 to examine whether it is involved in chemoresistance in PC cells.

Antiresorptive Drugs and the Risk of Femoral Shaft Fracture in Men and Women With Osteoporosis: A Cohort Study Using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims of Japan.

Background: This cohort study aimed to estimate incidence rates of femoral shaft fracture in patients who were treated with antiresorptive drugs.

Methods: We used data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims of Japan from April 2009 and October 2016. All patients with new use of an antiresorptive drug, prescription-free period of ≥3 months, and no prior femoral fractures were included.

The potential benefit of metformin to reduce delirium risk and mortality: a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: Metformin has been reported to improve age-related disorders, including dementia, and to lower mortality. This study was conducted to investigate whether metformin use lower delirium risk, as well as long-term mortality.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, previously recruited 1,404 subjects were analyzed.

Perceptions and practice patterns of cancer survivorship care among Japanese gynecologic oncologists: The JGOG questionnaire survey.

Objective: This study aimed to assess gynecologic oncologists (GOs)' perceptions and attitudes toward cancer survivorship to help improve survivor care.

Methods: We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey about survivorship issues for the GOs belonging to the Japan Gynecologic Oncology Group. We analyzed the proactiveness of the participants toward addressing 25 survivor issues.

A nationwide survey of the use of the laparoscopic power morcellator.

Aim: Laparoscopic power morcellator (LPM) can be used for tissue retrieval through laparoscopic port site, but the dissemination of uterine and/or myoma tissues is a serious complication. To study the use of LPM for uterine fibroid treatment in Japan, we aimed to perform two national cross-sectional surveys comprising multiple questionnaires.

Methods: The first survey (2011-2013) was conducted in November 2014, and 203 medical institutions responded.

Relationship between Facial Color Changes and Psychological Problems Associated with Lower Back Pain.

: The aim of this study was to determine whether a non-contact sensor that detects complexion changes can be used to assess the psychological state of patients with chronic lower back pain (LBP). : Twenty-six patients with LBP (LBP group; mean age = 68.0 ± 13.

The genome-wide DNA methylation profiles among neurosurgery patients with and without post-operative delirium.

Aims: There is no previous study demonstrating the differences of genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles between patients with and without postoperative delirium (POD). We aimed to discover epigenetic (DNAm) markers that are associated with POD in blood obtained from patients before and after neurosurgery.

Methods: Pre- and post-surgical blood DNA samples from 37 patients, including 10 POD cases, were analyzed using the Illumina EPIC array genome-wide platform.

A Novel Imaging Technique for The On-site Assessment of Renal Biopsy Specimens.

When performing renal biopsy, it is necessary to identify the cortex, where glomeruli are exclusively distributed, to ensure the quality of the specimen for histological diagnosis. However, conventional methods using a stereomicroscope or magnifying lens often fail to clarify the quality of the specimen. We have established a fluorescent-based imaging technique for the on-site assessment of renal biopsy specimens.

Robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a case report.

Background: There are numerous indications for minimally invasive surgery. However, the laparoscopic approach for extended pelvic surgery is currently provided by only a few institutions specializing in cancer treatment, primarily because of technical difficulties that arise in cases involving a narrow pelvis and rigid forceps. We report a case of robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer involving the prostate.

PDE5 inhibitors and male reproduction: Is there a place for PDE5 inhibitors in infertility clinics or andrology laboratories?

The objective of this review study is to evaluate the therapeutic role of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5is) in the amelioration of oligoasthenospermia in infertile males. PDE5is have a beneficial influence on the secretory function of the Leydig and Sertoli cells, the biochemical environment within the seminiferous tubule, the contractility of the testicular tunica albuginea, and the prostatic secretory function. In several studies, the overall effect of sildenafil and vardenafil increased quantitative and qualitative sperm motility.

Photoimmunotherapy with surgical navigation and computed tomography guidance for recurrent maxillary sinus carcinoma.

Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) using lasers to target treatment areas is effective for unresectable locally advanced or unresectable locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer; however, there are only two devices to target the treatment area. One illuminates tumour tissue through a needle, and the other illuminates tumour tissue superficially. Treating lesions surrounded by bone, such as in maxillary sinus cancer, is difficult.

Modified geriatric nutritional risk index in patients with pancreatic cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Background: The modified nutritional geriatric risk index (mGNRI) was developed as a novel index and provides a more appropriate prognostic index than the original GNRI, which was reported to be a useful index for predicting prognoses for various malignancies. This study investigated the prognostic significance of the mGNRI compared with that of the GNRI in patients with pancreatic cancer and the association with psoas muscle volume (PMV) for survival outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective study included 137 patients who had undergone pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer.

Experience of residents learning about social determinants of health and an assessment tool: Mixed-methods research.

Background: Educating healthcare professionals about the social determinants of health is important in improving health outcomes of marginalized patients. Residents' experience of learning about the social determinants of health and a clinical assessment tool remains unclear.

Methods: Residents participated in an online session about the social determinants of health and the assessment tool.

Association between frequency of going out and mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults: a pilot study in frailty prevention groups.

Background: Clarifying the role of physical limitations in the relationship between frequency of going out and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be useful in supporting early detection and prevention of MCI. However, few studies have explored relatively active populations that are continuously active throughout the year. This study aimed to determine the relationship between frequency of going out and MCI among non-homebound older adults who participated in group activities to prevent frailty.

Dual role of basophils in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid elucidated by pathological and ultrastructural studies.

Background: Bullous pemphigoid (BP), one of the most common autoimmune blistering disorders, is characterized by early erythematous and bullous lesions. Histopathologically, eosinophilia in the dermal tissue is a common finding in BP. In addition, basophils infiltrate the BP skin lesion.

Pediatric Respiratory Virus Infections During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Region Without Active Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Circulation.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections were not prevalent in Yonago and its vicinity during autumn 2020, and the relative frequencies of pathogen-induced respiratory infections during this period are unclear.

Methods: We collected 109 nasopharyngeal swabs from 93 pediatric patients who visited Tottori University Hospital between October 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. These samples were comprehensively tested for 18 pathogens with the FilmArray respiratory panel test (v2.