Characteristics of invasive Acinetobacter infection: A multicenter investigation with molecular identification of causative organisms.

We examined microbiological and clinical characteristics of invasive Acinetobacter infection occurring in four hospitals located in the Minami-Ibaraki Area. Glucose-non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli isolated from the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid in independent cases between 2001 and 2014 were consecutively collected and those possibly to be Acinetobacter species were re-identified using molecular methods. Of 158 strains identified as Acinetobacter species, 155 were classified into 16 officially designated species, including 42 Acinetobacter pittii and 40 Acinetobacter baumannii.

Four cases of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome treated via non-surgical vaginal reconstruction using uterine cervical dilators.

Vaginal creation is the standard treatment for Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Although non-surgical method is recommended as a first-line treatment in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for gynecological practice, it is not commonly performed in Japan. At our hospital, vaginal dilation using uterine cervical dilators (Hegar's dilator) is performed for patients with MRKH syndrome.

Prognosis and acute complications at the first onset of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children: a nationwide survey in Japan (JP-SHINE study).

Background: Information on the epidemiology of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children, complications of INS and the side effects of steroid therapy is scarce.

Methods: The Japanese Pediatric Survey Holding Information of Nephrotic Syndrome, a nationwide cohort study, was conducted by the Japanese Study Group of Renal Disease in Children and enrolled 2099 children with newly diagnosed INS between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. We conducted a follow-up study of the complications during the first onset and the patients' prognosis in this cohort.

Biological fixation between calcium phosphate-hybridized tendon graft and tibial bone tunnel in anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction - A case report.

The purpose of this study was to histologically observe a specimen of a calcium phosphate (CaP)-hybridized tendon graft-bone interface at the posterior side of tibial bone tunnel obtained during the revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We present the case of a 15-year-old female who was returning to sports 7 months and 12 days after primary anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction with no instability. Re-rupture was diagnosed 9 months and 12 days after the surgery.

Safety and feasibility of using calcium phosphate hybridization method for quadriceps tendon-bone graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Background: To improve tendon-to-bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, a novel technique via the calcium phosphate (CaP) hybridization method for tendon graft using an alternate soaking process was developed. The use of the CaP hybridization method for quadriceps tendon-bone (QTB) graft in ACL reconstruction has not been reported in previous studies. Thus, this clinical trial aimed to clarify the safety and feasibility of using CaP hybridization method for quadriceps tendon-bone (QTB) graft in ACL reconstruction.

Development of fibrocartilage layers in the anterior cruciate ligament insertion in rabbits.

Background: A detailed evaluation focusing on the fibrocartilage layers in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insertion is necessary to consider regeneration of the insertion. This study examined the development of the fibrocartilage layers in the ACL tibial insertion in rabbits by quantitative morphometric evaluations based on histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Methods: Male Japanese white rabbits were used because of their history of use for histomorphometric analyses of the ACL insertion and to eliminate the influence of female hormones on the ACL.

Morphological changes in the femoral and tibial bone tunnels after anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a calcium phosphate-hybridized tendon graft in 2years of follow-up.

Introduction: A calcium phosphate (CaP)-hybridized tendon graft improves tendon-to-bone healing. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the progression of morphological changes in the femoral and tibial bone tunnels after anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the CaP-hybridized tendon graft versus an untreated tendon graft during 2 years of follow-up.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the CaP-hybridized tendon graft would prevent the progression of bone tunnel enlargement compared with the untreated tendon graft.

Anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a calcium phosphate-hybridized tendon graft: a randomized controlled trial with 2 years of follow-up.

Background: To improve tendon-to-bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, a novel technique via calcium phosphate (CaP)-hybridized tendon graft using an alternate soaking process was developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction using the CaP-hybridized tendon graft with up to 2 years follow-up, and compare the outcome with conventional ACL reconstruction and preoperative data.

Methods: Ninety patients who required anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction were randomized to undergo either the CaP-hybridized tendon graft method (CaP group, n = 45) or the conventional method (conventional group, n = 45).

Stool filling of an intestinal duplication cyst at the ileocecal valve triggers colonic intussusception: a case report.

Background: Intestinal duplication, a congenital malformation, is considered a rare condition, particularly in adults. Although it affects young children, a minority of patients remains asymptomatic until adulthood. Here, we describe a case of an intestinal duplication cyst that caused intussusception by a unique mechanism.

Newly developed endoscopic detachable snare ligation therapy for colonic diverticular hemorrhage: a multicenter phase II trial (with videos).

Background And Aims: We previously reported preliminary safety results for a new method, endoscopic detachable snare ligation (EDSL), for diverticular hemorrhage. This method does not need endoscope removal to attach a ligation device after detection of the bleeding site. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EDSL in a larger patient population.

Formation of osteon-like structures in unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite substitute.

Unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite (UDPHAp) bone substitute comprises a microstructure of cross-sectionally oval pores with diameters ranging from 30 to 300 µm. Bone remodeling within the UDPHAp is expected upon implantation into bone; however, the mechanism and factors influencing this bone growth remain unclear. The objectives of the present study were to assess the vasculature and microstructure of newly formed bone and to determine how bone formation is affected by load transfer and UDPHAp pore size.

Extension of knee immobilization delays recovery of histological damages in the anterior cruciate ligament insertion and articular cartilage in rabbits.

[Purpose] To investigate the influence of knee immobilization period on recovery of histological damages in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insertion and articular cartilage in rabbits. This knowledge is important for determining the appropriate rehabilitation approach for patients with ligament injuries, fracture, disuse atrophy, and degenerative joint disease. [Materials and Methods] Forty-eight male Japanese white rabbits were divided equally into the remobilization and control groups.

A novel exercise device for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis improves venous flow in bed versus ankle movement exercises in healthy volunteers.

Purpose: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is crucial. To facilitate active ankle movement in postoperative and bedridden patients, we developed a novel leg exercise apparatus (LEX). We investigated the effect of the LEX by comparing increases in lower extremity venous flow during different modes of exercise using the LEX.

Relationship between Semenogelins bound to human sperm and other semen parameters and pregnancy outcomes.

Background: Semenogelins (SEMGs) are major components of human seminal vesicle secretions. Due to SEMG's sperm-motility inhibitor, a significant negative correlation between sperm motility and the proportion of SEMG-bound spermatozoa (SEMG+) was found in asthenozoospermic patients. SEMGs also show intrinsic inhibitory capability for sperm capacitation; however, studies on actual clinical specimens have not been conducted.

Calcium phosphate-hybridized tendon grafts reduce femoral bone tunnel enlargement in anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the effect of calcium phosphate (CaP)-hybridized tendon grafting versus unhybridized tendon grafting on the morphological changes to the bone tunnels at the aperture 1 year after anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods: Seventy-three patients were randomized to undergo the CaP (n = 37) or the conventional method (n = 36). All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) evaluation 1 week and 1 year post-operatively.

Differences in placement of calcium phosphate-hybridized tendon grafts within the femoral bone tunnel during ACL reconstruction do not influence tendon-to-bone healing.

Background: Calcium phosphate (CaP)-hybridization of tendon grafts has been shown to improve tendon-to-bone healing. The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of different tendon graft placement methods on tendon-to-bone healing using CaP-hybridized tendon grafts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in rabbits.

Methods: We compared two methods of tendon graft placement within the femoral bone tunnel: suspension of the tendon graft within the bone tunnel (suspension group) and implantation of the tendon graft coherent with the bone socket (coherence group).

Influence of Knee Immobilization on Chondrocyte Apoptosis and Histological Features of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Insertion and Articular Cartilage in Rabbits.

This study examined the influence of immobilization on chondrocyte apoptosis and histological features of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insertion and knee articular cartilage in rabbits. Forty-eight male Japanese white rabbits were assigned to an immobilization ( = 24) or sham ( = 24) group. Rabbits in the immobilization group underwent complete unilateral surgical knee immobilization and rabbits in the sham group underwent a sham surgery.

Comparison of postoperative biomechanical function between anatomic double-bundle and single-bundle ACL reconstructions using calcium phosphate-hybridized tendon grafts in goats.

Background: Calcium phosphate (CaP)-hybridized tendon grafts improved biomechanical function compared with untreated grafts after single-bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical function between anatomic double-bundle (DB) and single-bundle (SB) ACL reconstructions using CaP-hybridized tendon grafts at 6 months postoperatively in goats.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the postoperative biomechanical function in the DB group will be better than that in the SB group.

Tumor Occupation in the Spinal Canal and Clinical Symptoms of Cauda Equina Schwannoma: An Analysis of 22 Cases.

Study Design: Retrospective, radiological study.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between clinical symptoms and the extent of tumor occupation of the spinal canal by cauda equina schwannoma.

Overview Of Literature: Little is known about the relationship between the size of tumors of the cauda equina and the manifestation of clinical symptoms.

Effect of Calcium Phosphate-Hybridized Tendon Graft in Anatomic Single-Bundle ACL Reconstruction in Goats.

Background: We previously developed a novel technique using an alternate soaking process that improves tendon-bone healing by hybridizing the tendon graft with calcium phosphate (CaP). However, the effects of the CaP-hybridized tendon graft on anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remain unclear.

Purpose: To determine the effects of CaP-hybridized tendon grafts compared with untreated tendon grafts 6 months after anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction using a goat model.

Temporal Changes in Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis in Japan (1976-2009).

Background: The incidence of post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) in developed countries has decreased over the last 50 years. Here we identified the trends of the incidence of PIGN in Japan during the past four decades.

Methods: We explored the frequency, clinicopathological findings, and prognosis of PIGN based on 6,369 cases from the Renal Biopsy Database of our institute in the Kanto region of Japan, diagnosed histologically from 1976 to 2009.

[Solitary Bladder Metastasis of Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma: Report of a Case].

Bladder metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is relatively rare, and only 43 cases have been reported in the Japanese literature. In most cases, the histology of the primary site was clear cell type. Here, we report a case of bladder metastasis of chromophobe RCC.

High-level aminoglycoside resistance in Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium causing invasive infection: Twelve-year surveillance in the Minami Ibaraki Area.

We examined prevalence of high-level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) in Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium causing invasive infection in the Minami Ibaraki Area. Ten strains of both species each, recovered from the blood or the cerebrospinal fluid between 2003 and 2014, were randomly selected every year. High-level resistance to gentamicin (HLR-GM) and streptomycin (HLR-SM) was detected in 34% (41 of 120 strains) and 18% (21) of E.