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The present systematic review (SR) aims to evaluate manuscripts in order to help further elucidate the following question: is the micronucleus assay (MA) also a useful marker in gingiva, tongue, and palate for evaluating cytogenetic damage in vivo? A search was performed through the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, all studies published up to December 2023. The comparisons were defined as standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were established. Full manuscripts from 34 studies were carefully selected and reviewed in this setting. Our results demonstrate that the MA may be a useful biomarker of gingival tissue damage in vivo, and this tissue could be a useful alternative to the buccal mucosa. The meta‐analysis analyzing the different sites regardless of the deleterious factor studied, the buccal mucosa (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI, − 0.49 to 1.88, p = 0.25) and gingiva (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI, − 0.11 to 0.72, p = 0.15), showed similar results and different outcome for the tongue (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.91, p = 0.001). In summary, our conclusion suggests that the MA can be a useful marker for detecting DNA damage in gingiva in vivo and that this tissue could be effective site for smearing. The micronucleus assay in oral mucosa is a suitable method for biomonitoring individuals exposed to harmful agents. Regarding oral sites, the buccal mucosa and gingiva showed similar results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroids stand for a class of hormones (natural and synthetic) known to be helpful for a number of disorders. Despite the aforementioned beneficial effects of using these hormones, anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AAS) are also widely abused in a non‐therapeutic manner for muscle‐building and strength‐increasing properties that may lead to genotoxicity in different tissues. The present study aims to understand whether genotoxicity may be a suitable biomarker for AAS exposure in vivo in both experimental animal and human studies. All studies published in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases that presented data on DNA damage caused by AAS were analyzed. A total of 15 articles were included in this study, and after thoroughly reviewing the studies, a total of 8 articles were classified as Strong, 6 were classified as Moderate, and only 1 was classified as Weak, totaling 14 studies being considered either Strong or Moderate. This classification makes it possible to consider the present findings as reliable. The meta‐analysis data revealed a statistically significant difference in Wistar rat testis cells with AAS compared to control for tail length and % tail DNA (p < 0.001), so that the selected articles were considered homogeneous and the I2 of 0% indicated low heterogeneity. In summary, genotoxicity can be considered a suitable biomarker for monitoring AAS exposure as a result of DNA breakage and oxidative DNA damage. Anabolic‐androgenic steroids induce genetic damage in mammalian cells in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three thienopyrrole‐fused thiadiazole (TPT) fluorescent dyes featuring a common amide linker and different alkoxy substituents on peripheral trialkoxybenzene moieties were synthesized, and their self‐assembly behavior in solution was investigated. The obtained results revealed a substantial steric effect of the alkoxy substituents on the supramolecular polymerization mechanism, which results from a combination of π‐stacking and hydrogen (H)‐bonding interactions. Detailed spectroscopic measurements revealed that with increasing steric demand of the substituents, the supramolecular polymerization processes in pure methylcyclohexane (MCH) or a mixture of MCH and toluene become temperature‐sensitive and enthalpically favorable, resulting in a change from the isodesmic assembly mechanism to the cooperative mechanism. Theoretical calculations suggested that in TPTs with bulky substituents, steric hindrance causes the H‐bonding array of the amide moieties to be aligned along the stacking axis of the π‐systems; thus, the H‐bonding interactions are strengthened compared to those in TPTs with less bulky substituents, compensating for the weakened π‐stacking interactions. A chiral TPT derivative with (S) stereogenic centers was found to form homochiral helical supramolecular assemblies that generate discernible circularly polarized luminescence. Achiral TPTs also generate helical assemblies to which preferential helicity can be imparted through the external chiral bias of the solvents (R)‐ and (S)‐limonene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amplification technologies needed for spatial division multiplexing (SDM) signal transmission have been reported, especially focusing on submarine systems, which have stricter requirements than terrestrial ones. As the first step of a large‐scale commercialisation, 2‐core un‐coupled (UC) fibre production has already been announced. However, optical amplifiers for SDM signals are still under investigation because SDM amplifiers have various architectural possibilities, depending on the requirements to be considered in designing systems. The multicore erbium‐doped fibre amplifier (MC‐EDFA) architecture is classified from the viewpoint of the number of erbium‐doped fibre (EDF) cores and its pumping method. Core pumped MC‐EDFA is more compatible with the conventional single‐core fibre (SCF)‐ based system and more mature than cladding pumped MC‐EDFA. However, cladding pumped MC‐EDFA has a unique feature of collective amplification of all cores in a single multicore fibre (MCF) and the potential of large‐scale integration of amplification cores in a single package. For a feasibility study, a C‐band 19‐core cladding pumped MC‐EDFA prototype is fabricated using a 19‐core isolator. A half volume of the equivalent conventional single‐core (SC‐) EDFA is successfully demonstrated. One unique feature of UC‐MCF is bidirectional (BD‐) transmission using a single UC‐MCF. Signal transmission direction can differ from core to core. This feature is useful for efficiently accommodating traffic of asymmetric communication data and expanding transmission capacity at a constant transmission distance. A C‐band 7‐core cladding pumped BD‐MC‐EDFA prototype is fabricated for the bidirectional MCF transmission line. Experimental results show transmission capacity was expanded by 17% using the prototype when bidirectional signal assignment was adapted. Towards practical use, optical components suitable for MC‐EDFA need to be developed to draw out potential advantages of SDM technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Previous research on the ripening process of many fruit crop varieties typically involved analyses of the conserved genetic factors among species. However, even for seemingly identical ripening processes, the associated gene expression networks often evolved independently, as reflected by the diversity in the interactions between transcription factors (TFs) and the targeted cis‐regulatory elements (CREs). In this study, explainable deep learning (DL) frameworks were used to predict expression patterns on the basis of CREs in promoter sequences. We initially screened potential lineage‐specific CRE–TF interactions influencing the kiwifruit ripening process, which is triggered by ethylene, similar to the corresponding processes in other climacteric fruit crops. Some novel regulatory relationships affecting ethylene‐induced fruit ripening were identified. Specifically, ABI5‐like bZIP, G2‐like, and MYB81‐like TFs were revealed as trans‐factors modulating the expression of representative ethylene signaling/biosynthesis‐related genes (e.g., ACS1, ERT2, and ERF143). Transient reporter assays and DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP‐Seq) analyses validated these CRE–TF interactions and their regulatory relationships. A comparative analysis with co‐expression networking suggested that this DL‐based screening can identify regulatory networks independently of co‐expression patterns. Our results highlight the utility of an explainable DL approach for identifying novel CRE–TF interactions. These imply that fruit crop species may have evolved lineage‐specific fruit ripening‐related cis–trans regulatory networks. Significance Statement: We applied explainable AI (or X‐AI) frameworks to screen gene networks involved in ethylene‐induced kiwifruit ripening, after which we experimentally validated the relationships and functions of these gene networks, with the underlying mechanisms possibly specific to the kiwifruit ripening process. Our results reflect the importance of the lineage‐specific evolution of regulatory networks affecting ethylene‐induced fruit ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis are caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and affect millions of people worldwide. They are considered neglected diseases that primarily impact individuals in tropical and subtropical regions. The drugs currently available for treating this infection have limitations, such as high toxicity, adverse reactions, and a long therapeutic intervention period. Numerous studies, using various experimental models, have sought to develop more effective and less toxic chemotherapeutic agents against these protozoa. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of two new dichalcogenides, LQ64 and LQ62, as well as their possible mechanism of action in promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Both substances, LQ64 and LQ62, exhibited activity against promastigote (IC50 = 2.35 and 12.59 µM, respectively), and amastigote forms (IC50 = 3.50 and 6.58 µM, respectively). Furthermore, the substances revealed selectivity for the parasite when analyzing their cytotoxicity in J774A‐1 macrophages. Moreover, electron microscopy analysis and mechanisms of action assays investigated in promastigote forms with both substances showed mitochondrial depolarization. This phenomenon possibly promoted changes in intracellular ATP levels, resulting in increased reactive species and lipid peroxidation, leading the parasites to oxidative stress. Additionally, the treatments induced changes in plasma membrane integrity, lipid body accumulation, alterations in the cell cycle, and phosphatidylserine externalization. Thus, the results indicate that LQ64 and LQ62 may induce characteristic changes in the protozoan suggestive of apoptosis cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral hypofunction is the stage before oral dysfunction. The subjective symptoms of poor oral function and the decline in oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) that occur in the oral hypofunction stage can be missed. Objective: This multicentre cross‐sectional study was performed to examine the relationships between the test results for oral hypofunction, subjective frailty symptoms and OHRQoL of outpatients in dental clinics. Methods: The basic characteristics and oral function test results of 637 dental clinic outpatients were evaluated. The subjective symptoms of physical and oral frailty were investigated using a questionnaire. OHRQoL was assessed using the Japanese short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐JP16) and OHRQoL dimension score. Results: The overall prevalence of oral hypofunction was 37.8%, with no significant difference between men and women. No significant differences in the presence or absence of subjective symptoms of frailty and a high OHIP score were observed based on sex. However, the prevalence of oral hypofunction was significantly different among the age groups and increased with age. The subjective symptoms of frailty score, OHIP score and OHRQoL dimension score were significantly higher in patients with versus without oral hypofunction. Age, number of underlying diseases, total score for subjective symptoms of frailty, total score for OHIP and OHRQoL dimension score were significantly associated with oral hypofunction. Conclusion: Oral hypofunction may affect the subjective symptoms of frailty and OHRQoL in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Colonoscopy (CS) is an important screening method for the early detection and removal of precancerous lesions. The stool state during bowel preparation (BP) should be properly evaluated to perform CS with sufficient quality. This study aimed to develop a smartphone application (app) with an artificial intelligence (AI) model for stool state evaluation during BP and to investigate whether the use of the app could maintain an adequate quality of CS. Methods: First, stool images were collected in our hospital to develop the AI model and were categorized into grade 1 (solid or muddy stools), grade 2 (cloudy watery stools), and grade 3 (clear watery stools). The AI model for stool state evaluation (grades 1–3) was constructed and internally verified using the cross‐validation method. Second, a prospective study was conducted on the quality of CS using the app in our hospital. The primary end‐point was the proportion of patients who achieved Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) ≥6 among those who successfully used the app. Results: The AI model showed mean accuracy rates of 90.2%, 65.0%, and 89.3 for grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The prospective study enrolled 106 patients and revealed that 99.0% (95% confidence interval 95.3–99.9%) of patients achieved a BBPS ≥6. Conclusion: The proportion of patients with BBPS ≥6 during CS using the developed app exceeded the set expected value. This app could contribute to the performance of high‐quality CS in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen boride (HB) nanosheets are recognized as a safe and lightweight hydrogen carrier, yet their hydrogen (H2) generation technique has been limited. In the present study, nitrogen‐containing organic heterocycles are mixed with HB nanosheets in acetonitrile solution for visible‐light‐driven H2 generation. After exploring various nitrogen‐containing heterocycles, the mixture of 1,10‐phenanthroline molecules (Phens) and HB nanosheets exhibited significant H2 generation even under visible light irradiation. The quantum efficiency for H2 generation of the mixture of HB nanosheets and Phens is 0.6%. Based on spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is determined that radical species generated from Phens with electrons and protons donated by HB nanosheets are responsive to visible light for H2 generation. The HB nanosheets/Phens mixture presented in this study can generate H2 using renewable energy sources such as sunlight without the need for complex electrochemical systems or heating mechanisms and is expected to serve as a lightweight hydrogen storage/release system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 24‐year‐old female nurse with a 4‐month history of low back pain (LBP) was treated with acupuncture because of difficulty to her working. At the first presentation, the numerical rating scale (NRS) value was 7. After 2 weeks, the NRS value improved to 2–3, and she could bend over better, including when working night shifts. After 4 months, the NRS value remained at 1–2 so her relocating or leaving of absence from the ICU department was avoided. Acupuncture treatment for medical staff with LBP could relieve their pain and improve decreased clinical performance in hospitals or clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nocturia is a common symptom of lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS). In previous studies, a close association between LUTS and colorectal inflammation has been reported. However, evidence regarding the association between nighttime urinary frequency and ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited. Herein, we investigated the association between nighttime urinary frequency and clinical outcomes of UC. Methods: We surveyed 287 Japanese patients with UC. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect the information on the variables studied. Patients were divided into three groups based on nighttime urinary frequency: (1) no voids, (2) one void, and (3) two or more voids. The assessment of clinical outcomes was based on mucosal healing (MH) and clinical remission (CR). The association between nighttime urinary frequency and prevalence of MH and CR was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: The prevalence of one nighttime frequency and two or more nighttime frequency in this cohort was 35.5% and 26.8%, respectively. The percentage of MH and CR was 24.7% and 59.2%, respectively. Two or more nighttime frequency (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.73) was independently and inversely associated with MH. In nonelderly patients (<70 years) and patients in CR, an association between two or more nighttime frequency and MH remained significant (non‐elderly: adjusted OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09–0.72 and only CR: adjusted OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12–0.90). Conclusion: Nighttime urinary frequency was independently and inversely associated with MH in Japanese patients with UC. Nighttime urinary frequency may serve as a complementary physical sign of MH in patients with UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a summary of research studies on ameloblastoma, a benign odontogenic tumor that can cause bone destruction, paresthesia, and aesthetic deformity. The studies have explored the prevalence of the BRAF V600E mutation, which is frequently found in ameloblastomas and is associated with disordered cell growth. The mutation is present in various countries, with the highest incidence observed in the posterior region of the mandible. The studies also discuss the potential for therapies targeting the BRAF mutation to inhibit tumor progression. However, further research is needed to fully understand the impact of these findings on diagnosis, classification, and treatment of ameloblastoma. [Extracted from the article]

As global ocean monitoring programs and marine carbon dioxide removal methods expand, so does the need for scalable biogeochemical sensors. Currently, pH sensors are widely used to measure the ocean carbonate system on a variety of autonomous platforms. This paper assesses a commercially available optical pH sensor (optode) distributed by PyroScience GmbH for oceanographic applications. Results from this study show that the small, solid‐state pH optode demonstrates a precision of 0.001 pH and relative accuracy of 0.01 pH using an improved calibration routine outlined in the manuscript. A consistent pressure coefficient of 0.029 pH/1000 dbar is observed across multiple pH optodes tested in this study. The response time is investigated for standard and fast‐response versions over a range of temperatures and flow rates. Field deployments include direct comparison to ISFET‐based pH sensor packages for both moored and profiling platforms where the pH optodes experience sensor‐specific drift rates up to 0.006 pH d−1. In its current state, the pH optode potentially offers a viable and scalable option for short‐term field deployments and laboratory mesocosm studies, but not for long term deployments with no possibility for recalibration like on profiling floats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines whether the residential patterns of small nationality‐based ethnic groups in Japan, such as Afghans, Laotians, Bolivians and Turks, can be successfully explained by the model of heterolocalism, which is well‐known for comprehensively explaining the patterns of new immigrants. This verification work is conducted based on census microdata, mapping and interviews with the foreigners. The model is characterized by five propositions, two of which are found not to apply to the Japanese case. Namely, regarding the 'spatial dispersion' proposition, a series of small‐sized clusters of foreign inhabitants was confirmed, suggesting that nodal heterolocalism as a modified model is better than the original model. As for the proposition of 'spatial disjuncture between home and work', we find that the places of work and residence show spatial proximity rather than separation, reflecting the fact that most of the foreign inhabitants are engaged in blue‐collar occupations. The obtained results serve as criticism of the heterolocalism model, which emphasizes that it is valid not only for the relatively privileged but also for certain lower‐status groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL/nTFHL‐AI)‐like feature. An 88‐year‐old Japanese woman with seropositive for the Human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) was incidentally diagnosed with generalized lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the cervical lymph node demonstrated the proliferation of small‐ or medium‐sized and large atypical lymphocytes associated with eosinophils, high endothelial venules, and clear cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed atypical lymphocytes were CD3‐ and CD4‐positive. Atypical T cells bore the T‐follicular helper phenotype (PD1, ICOS, and BCL6) and were positive for CD25 and chemokine receptor 4. Epstein‐Barr virus encoded RNA‐positive cells were scattered in the background via in situ hybridization. The histological findings were similar to those of AITL/nTFHL‐AI; however, the immunohistochemical results did not exclude the possibility of ATLL. Southern blot analysis detected integration of HTLV‐1 proviral DNA. The RHOA Gly 17 Val (G17V) mutation was detected by the peptide nucleic acid‐locked nucleic acid clamp method. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with ATLL with AITL‐like feature and exhibited a similar morphology, immunophenotype, and mutational signature to AITL/nTFHL‐AI. ATLL mimics other types of T‐cell lymphomas. Thus, in HTLV‐1 endemic areas, routine screening for HTLV‐1 serology is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis of other lymphoid malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification is used to assess the fitness of a patient for surgery. Whether laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for colorectal cancer patients with poor ASA performance status (PS) remains unclear. Methods: Among 4585 patients who underwent colorectal surgery between 2016 and 2023, this study retrospectively reviewed all 458 patients with ASA‐PS ≥3. Patients were divided into two groups: patients treated by open surgery (O group, n = 80); and patients treated by laparoscopic surgery (L group, n = 378). We investigated the impact of surgical approach on postoperative complications in patients with colorectal cancer and ASA‐PS ≥3. Results: Operation time was longer (170 min vs. 233 min, p <.001), blood loss was less (156 mL vs. 23 mL, p <.001), postoperative complications were less frequent (40.0% vs. 25.1%, p =.008), and hospital stay was shorter (23 days vs. 14 days, p <.001) in L group. Univariate analysis revealed rectal cancer, open surgery, longer operation time, and blood loss as factors significantly associated with postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis revealed open surgery (odds ratio [OR] 2.100, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.164–3.788; p =.013) and longer operation time (OR 1.747, 95% CI 1.098–2.778; p =.018) as independent predictors of postoperative complications. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery provides favorable outcomes for colorectal cancer patients with poor ASA‐PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity impairs patients' quality of life (QoL). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common procedure for patients with severe obesity; however, studies reporting changes in obesity‐related QoL are limited. The aim of this study was to assess changes in obesity‐related QoL and food tolerance in the early postoperative period. Methods: We included 20 consecutive patients who underwent LSG between May 2021 and July 2023. We evaluated changes in obesity‐related QoL 6 months after surgery using an obesity and weight loss QoL questionnaire (OWLQOL) and a weight related symptom measure (WRSM). Additionally, we assessed eating satisfaction and food tolerance after surgery. Results: The percentages of total weight loss and excess weight loss were 28.5% and 79.1%, respectively. OWLQOL scores and WRSM changed from 36.5 to 73.0 points and from 44.0 to 15.0 points (p =.007,.007), respectively. The food tolerance score decreased from 25 to 21.2 points (p <.001), while eating satisfaction showed no significant change (p =.25). Conclusion: Obesity‐related QoL is enhanced even in the early postoperative period, without sacrificing eating satisfaction. The findings of this study may provide valuable insights for patients when considering LSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy is a procedure used to connect the stomach and dilated afferent loop using a stent under endoscopic ultrasound for afferent loop syndrome. However, the actual efficacy and safety of this procedure remain unclear. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy using a laser‐cut‐type fully covered self‐expandable metallic stent and an anchoring plastic stent for afferent loop syndrome. Methods: Technical and clinical success rates, adverse events, recurrent intestinal obstruction rates, time to recurrent intestinal obstruction, and technical and clinical success rates of re‐intervention were evaluated in intended patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy for afferent loop syndrome from October 2018 to August 2022. Results: In 25 intended patients with afferent loop syndrome who intended endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy, the technical success rate was 100% (25/25), whereas the clinical success rate was 96% (24/25). Two patients experienced grade ≥ 3 early adverse events, including one with intra‐abdominal abscess and one with hypotension. Both events were attributed to intestinal fluid leakage. No late adverse events were observed. The recurrent intestinal obstruction rate was 32% (8/25), and the median time to recurrent intestinal obstruction was 6.5 months (95% confidence interval: 2.8–not available). The technical and clinical success rates of re‐intervention were both 100% (8/8). Conclusions: Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy using a fully covered self‐expandable metallic stent and an anchoring plastic stent is effective and safe as a treatment procedure for afferent loop syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT) are a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis. The predominant treatment for MMPRT is transtibial pullout repair, and loop suture remains the gold standard procedure. This study aimed to investigate the structural properties of the meniscus‐suture‐tibia (MST) complex after loop stitch using ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture tape of different thicknesses. Methods: This study used 20 fresh porcine MMPRT model knees. All specimens were randomised into two treatment groups: (1) pullout repair using 1.3 mm suture tape (thin group, n = 10; 1.3 mm PERMATAPE, Mitek Sports Medicine) fixation and (2) pullout repair using 2.5 mm suture tape (thick group, n = 10; 2.5 mm PERMATAPE, Mitek Sports Medicine) fixation. The single‐loop stitch MS technique was utilised. The MST complex specimens were placed on a tensile tester. The structural properties of the MST complex (yield load, maximum load, liner stiffness, and elongation at failure) were identified. Results: No significant differences were found between the thin and thick groups in terms of maximum load (108.8 ± 49.6 vs. 90.1 ± 33.6 N; p = 0.34), yield load (43.8 ± 15.2 vs. 39.4 ± 15.5 N; p = 0.53), liner stiffness (12.6 ± 8.4 vs. 11.2 ± 5.5 N/mm; p = 0.45), and elongation at failure (27.1 ± 19.4 vs. 19.9 ± 10.0 mm; p = 0.32). Conclusion: The structural properties of the thickness of the different UHMWPE were comparable in MMPRT repair. Additionally, 1.3 mm PERMATAPE may demonstrate similar repair potential as 2.5 mm PERMATAPE. Level of Evidence: Level Ⅳ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Radiotherapy, the mainstay treatment for patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), has low clinical efficacy, resulting in poor prognosis. Radiation induces ferroptosis, a form of cell death driven by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation. Since the xCT/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis is predominantly involved in the ferroptosis defense system, targeting this axis may potentiate cancer cell vulnerability to ferroptosis. Methods: We examined the expression of xCT and GPX4 in the tumor cells of biopsy specimens using immunohistochemistry and evaluated the radiation‐mediated antitumor effects of the ferroptosis inducers, erastin and RSL3, that act by inhibiting xCT and GPX4, respectively. Results: Univariate analysis revealed that high immunohistochemical expression of xCT was correlated with shorter survival, and high GPX4 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor, indicating that the xCT/GPX4 axis influences the clinical outcome of OSCC. Analyses using two types of OSCC cell lines revealed that the clonogenic survival of irradiated cells was increased by the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin‐1 and decreased by erastin and RSL3. The enhanced antitumor effects of erastin and RSL3 were accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation, which was suppressed by the iron chelator deferoxamine. Erastin and RSL3 enhance the effects of radiation on OSCC cells in a mouse xenograft model; these effects were associated with increased expression of the lipid peroxidation marker 4‐hydroxynonenal in tumor cells. Conclusions: xCT/GPX4 axis is involved in the tumor resistance against radiation through the inhibition of ferroptosis in OSCC. Furthermore, radiotherapy combined with ferroptosis induction by targeting the xCT/GPX4 axis may improve patient prognosis in advanced OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One advantage of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS) is that it is difficult for reflux cholangitis, caused by duodenal pressure increasing due to duodenal obstruction, to occur. In addition, since stent deployment is performed away from the malignant stricture site, longer stent patency than with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be obtained. However, no study has previously compared EUS‐HGS and ERCP for patients without duodenal obstruction or surgically altered anatomy. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical outcomes between EUS‐HGS and ERCP in normal anatomy patients without duodenal obstruction. Method: In the ERCP group, patients who initially underwent biliary drainage were included. In the EUS‐HGS group, patients who underwent EUS‐HGS due to failed biliary cannulation were included. Patients with an inaccessible papilla, such as with surgically altered anatomy or duodenal obstruction, were excluded. Results: A total of 314 patients who underwent ERCP and EUS‐HGS were enrolled in this study. Of the 314 patients, 289 underwent biliary stenting under ERCP guidance, and 25 patients underwent biliary stenting under EUS‐HGS. After propensity score‐matching analysis, the adverse event rate tended to be lower in the EUS‐HGS group than in the ERCP group. Although overall survival was not significantly different between the EUS‐HGS and ERCP groups (p =.228), stent patency was significantly longer in the EUS‐HGS group (median 366.0 days) than in the ERCP group (median 76.5 days). Conclusions: EUS‐HGS had a lower adverse event rate, shorter procedure time, and longer stent patency than ERCP in cases of normal anatomy without duodenal obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancers are genetically categorized into common diseases showing a so‐called multifactorial inheritance except for rare familial cancers. And as a measure to estimate the strength of genetic factors in the multifactorial diseases, heritability (h2) is generally used. However, there have been few reports on the estimation of heritability for cancers. We calculated the heritability from the incidence in subject population and the familial recurrence rate in first‐degree relatives of the affected for cancers quoting the data from a large‐scale prospective cohort study by Hidaka et al. published in 2020. This is the first report for heritability of any cancers in Japanese population. The results showed that heritability of overall cancers in Japanese population is 0.064, which is much lower than Nordic population reported by Mucci et al. that was 0.33. For individual cancers, stomach cancer (h2 = 0.14), colorectum cancer (0.006), lung cancer (0.08) and uterine cancer (0.16) accounted for half of the total patients, and each heritability tends to be lower than previously reported for the European descent. The results of this study suggest that heritability of cancers varies greatly by ethnicity. And these results should be important in terms of cancer genetics and in the genetic counseling for cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of cardiotocography (CTG) to improve neonatal outcomes is controversial. The medical settings, subjects, utilizations, and interpretation guidelines of CTG are unclear for low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Objectives: To assess and review CTG use for studies identified in LMICs and provide insights on the potential for effective use of CTG to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Search Strategy: The databases Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for published and unpublished literature through September 2023. Selection Criteria: Publications were identified which were conducted in LMICs, based on the World Bank list of economies for 2019; targeting pregnant women in childbirth; and focusing on the utilization of CTG and neonatal outcomes. Data Collection and Analysis: Publications were screened, and duplicates were removed. A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Results: The searches generated 1157 hits, of which 67 studies were included in the review. In the studies there was considerable variation and ambiguity regarding the study settings, target populations, utilizations, timing, frequency, and duration of CTG. While cesarean section rates were extensively investigated as an outcome of studies of CTG itself and the effect of additional techniques on CTG, other clinically significant outcomes, including neonatal mortality, were not well reported. Conclusions: Variations and ambiguities were found in the use of CTG in LMICs. Due to the limited amount of evidence, studies are needed to examine CTG availability in the context of LMICs. Synopsis: Cardiotocography (CTG) use in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) lacks consistency and clarity, with limited evidence on outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples from asteroid Ryugu, brought back by asteroid explorer Hayabusa2, are important for investigating the origin and evolution of the solar system. Here, we report the elemental compositions of a 123‐mg Ryugu sample determined with a nondestructive muon elemental analysis method. This method is a powerful tool for determining bulk chemical composition, including light elements such as C, N, and O. From the muonic x‐ray spectra with three carbonaceous chondrites, the relationship between the elemental composition and muonic x‐ray intensity was determined for each element. Calibration curves showed linearity, and the elemental composition of Ryugu was quantitatively determined. The results reflect the average bulk elemental composition of asteroid Ryugu owing to the large amount of samples. Ryugu has an elemental composition similar to that of Orgueil (CI1) and should be classified as CI1. However, the O/Si ratio of Ryugu is 25% lower than that of Orgueil, indicating that Orgueil may have been seriously contaminated by terrestrial materials after its fall to Earth. These results indicate that the Ryugu sample is more representative than the CI chondrites as a solid material of the solar system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To conduct a post hoc subgroup analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from the RECAP study, who were treated with sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) combination therapy, focusing only on those patients who had chronic kidney disease (CKD), to examine whether the composite renal outcome differed between those who received SGLT2 inhibitor treatment first and those who received a GLP‐1RA first. Methods: We included 438 patients with CKD (GLP‐1RA‐first group, n = 223; SGLT2 inhibitor‐first group, n = 215) from the 643 T2D patients in the RECAP study. The incidence of the composite renal outcome, defined as progression to macroalbuminuria and/or a ≥50% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), was analysed using a propensity score (PS)‐matched model. Furthermore, we calculated the win ratio for these composite renal outcomes, which were weighted in the following order: (1) both a ≥50% decrease in eGFR and progression to macroalbuminuria; (2) a decrease in eGFR of ≥50% only; and (3) progression to macroalbuminuria only. Results: Using the PS‐matched model, 132 patients from each group were paired. The incidence of renal composite outcomes did not differ between the two groups (GLP‐1RA‐first group, 10%; SGLT2 inhibitor‐first group, 17%; odds ratio 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85 to 4.26; p = 0.12). The win ratio of the GLP‐1RA‐first group versus the SGLT2 inhibitor‐first group was 1.83 (95% CI 1.71 to 1.95; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although the renal composite outcome did not differ between the two groups, the win ratio of the GLP‐1RA‐first group versus the SGLT2 inhibitor‐first group was significant. These results suggest that, in GLP‐1RA and SGLT2 inhibitor combination therapy, the addition of an SGLT2 inhibitor to baseline GLP‐1RA treatment may lead to more favourable renal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study evaluated the attitudes and perceptions of private dental practitioners (PPs) and students on treating patients with disabilities and sensory impairments. Methods and results: A multifaceted questionnaire was used to assess the participants' attitudes on providing care to persons with disabilities and sensory impairments [visual (VI) and hearing (HI)]. The survey evaluated different aspects of the participants' attitudes that included integrity, altruism, perceived barriers, and theory of planned behavior (TPB). One hundred twenty participants [students: n = 73, practitioners (PP): n = 47), with a mean‐age of 27.7 ± 5.3 years, completed the survey (response rate: 100%). Fourth‐year students scored better than the PP in integrity (p =.019). For altruism, the students scored better than PPs (vs. fourth‐year: p =.009, vs. fifth‐year: p =.031). There were no differences between the participant groups for the overall assessments of the TPB (p =.213), VI (p =.863), and HI (p =.261). Conclusion: Dental practitioners and students revealed a positive attitude, with few barriers, towards treating individuals with disabilities/sensory impairments and considered the training in the field of special care dentistry as a necessary part of the dental education. Furthermore, a demand for an increase in the hands‐on practical experience in treating individuals with disabilities/sensory impairments during the undergraduate study curriculum was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of untreated medial meniscal ramp lesions (MMRLs) on the tendon graft after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and histological findings of medial meniscus (MM) in a porcine a model. Methods: A total of 17 pigs were divided into two groups: (1) the untreated MMRL group (UM group, n = 9) and (2) intact MM group (n = 8) and euthanized 12 weeks after surgery. The specimens were then tested cyclically and loaded to failure. Side‐to‐side differences (SSDs) in translation under cyclic loading and structural properties were analyzed. Histological evaluation of the MM was also performed. Results: No significant differences in the SSD in translation during the cyclic testing (UM group, 0.3 ± 0.4 mm; intact MM group, 0.1 ± 1.4 mm), upper yield load (UM group, 476.3 ± 399.9 N; intact MM group, 643.2 ± 302.9 N), maximum load (UM group, 539.5 ± 265.8 N; intact MM group, 705.8 ± 282.6 N), linear stiffness (UM group, 63.5 ± 39.0 N/mm; intact MM group, 73.7 ± 60.1 N/mm) and elongation at failure (UM group, −4.6 ± 16.3 mm; intact MM group, 2.3 ± 6.6 mm) were observed. However, the UM group had significantly worse Modified Mankin's histological grading scores (1.8 ± 0.4 [1–2] vs. 0 ± 0 [0]; p < 0.001) and Modified Copenhaver classification scores (6.6 ± 2.4 [2–9] vs. 0.7 ± 1.1 [0–3]; p < 0.001) than did the intact MM group. Conclusion: Untreated MMRLs showed postoperative histological deterioration. Level of Evidence: Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify whether the range of motion (ROM), anterior and posterior (AP) stability and other clinical measures changed in patients who underwent tibia‐first total knee arthroplasty (TF‐TKA) using navigation with a computer‐aided system after surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective study and we conducted a matched cohort analysis of 60 measured resection (MR)‐TKAs and 52 TF‐TKAs performed by a single surgeon. All the surgeries used the same implant and approach. Baseline differences between the groups were adjusted using propensity score matching. We compared each patient's measured ROM and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and performed knee AP laxity measurements by using a device during routine follow‐ups. Results: A total of 40 MR‐TKAs with a mean age of 73.5 ± 5.6 years and sex (male 10, female 30) were compared to 40 TF‐TKAs with a mean age of 74.0 ± 5.7 years and sex (male 13, female 27) at 2‐year follow‐ups. Two years postoperatively, there was a significant difference in the AP laxity at 30° of knee flexion between both groups (7.0 ± 3.4 mm vs. 5.2 ± 2.3 mm, p < 0.01). In contrast, no differences were found between both groups for knee flexion (120.8 ± 9° vs. 116.7 ± 9.8°, p = 0.07) and OKS score (41.8 ± 6.9 vs. 41.0 ± 5.9, p = 0.61). Conclusion: The AP stability in the midflexion obtained using the tibia‐first technique remained consistent even after 2 years. However, OKS and ROM were not significantly different from those of the MR‐TKA group. Level of Evidence: Retrospective comparative LEVEL III study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to investigate whether a plate adapted to the anatomy of the proximal medial porcine's tibia would provide maintenance of the anterior gap (AG), posterior gap (PG) and posterior tibial slope (PTS). Methods: Twenty‐seven porcine tibias were biomechanically evaluated by performing MOWHTO and placing TOMOFIX (n = 9), AC plate (n = 9) and TriS (n = 9) anteromedially. Cyclic testing (800 N, 2000 cycles, 0.5 Hz) was performed to investigate the PTS over time for MOWHTO. The particular displacement calculated from the maximum to the minimum point with the load‐displacement curve along the mechanical axis during cyclic testing, the final AG and PG changes at the osteotomy site, the increased PTS calculated by subtracting AG from PG after 2000 cycles were compared among the three groups. The displacement was evaluated by repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and changes in AG and PG and increased PTS were evaluated by one‐way ANOVA. The sample size for α and β errors were <0.05 and <0.20, and the effect size was 0.64 for one‐way ANOVA and 0.49 for repeated‐measures ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences in displacement among the groups. A significant difference was observed in the AG (p = 0.044) and PG (p = 0.0085) changes. There were no significant differences in increased PTS among the groups. Conclusion: When anteromedially placed, the AC plate and TriS resulted in significant maintenance of AG and PG compared with that of TOMOFIX in MOWHTO after cyclic loading. Level of Evidence: Level Ⅳ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes in patients aged ≥70 years following neutral alignment medial opening‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (NA‐MOWHTO) for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA) to those observed in younger patients. Methods: The data of patients who underwent NA‐MOWHTO for medial compartment KOA between September 2018 and June 2022 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were categorised into groups Y (<70 years) and O (≥70 years). Age, sex, Kellgren–Lawrence classification, pre‐ and postoperative mechanical axis, weight‐bearing line ratio, medial proximal tibial angle, preoperative Tegner Activity Score and pre‐ and postoperative Lysholm scores were compared between the groups. Results: Overall, 81 patients (60 and 21 in groups Y and O, respectively) who underwent NA‐MOWHTO were included in this study. No significant differences were found in patient characteristics between the two groups, except for the preoperative Tegner Activity Score, which was significantly higher in group Y than in group O (3 [2–4] vs. 2 [2–2], respectively; p = 0.011). The two groups exhibited no significant differences in pre‐ and postoperative knee alignments. Postoperatively, Lysholm scores improved significantly in both groups without significant differences. Additionally, no correlation was found between age and pre‐ and postoperative Lysholm scores. Conclusions: The postoperative improvement following NA‐MOWHTO for medial compartment KOA is comparable in patients aged ≥70 and younger. Level of Evidence: Level III, Retrospective comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of two methods used to assess masticatory performance and attempt to correlate them to achieve interchangeability between the methods. Methods: Twelve healthy dentate volunteers (men = 6, women = 6; mean age = 28.3 ± 4.1) with no known dental or medical pathologies were requested to participate in this study. Each participant completed three masticatory performance assessments, including two two‐colour mixing‐ability tests using chewing‐gums (CG: gum#1 and gum#2) and the gummy‐jelly (GJ) test. For each method, participants created five samples each (total = 15 measurements per participant, gum#1 = 5, gum#2 = 5, GJ = 5). For the gum#1 and gum#2 methods, the predetermined chewing cycles were fixed at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cycles, and for the GJ method, the time duration was fixed at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 s. The parameter measures were submitted to Z‐score transformation, and Bland–Altman plots were generated to graphically compare the differences between two techniques against their means. Additionally, mountain plot was used to assess the cumulative distribution of measurement error between the methods. Results: A total of 180 measurements were recorded. There were significant correlations between the number of chewing cycles/chewing time and masticatory performance using the gum#1 (r = −.753; p <.001), gum#2 (r = −.838; p <.001) and GJ (r =.730). When all tests were considered together for each method, significant correlations were found (p <.001). A descriptive range of mean values aiming to produce reference value ranges for predictive purposes was achieved considering the interchangeably among the methods [CG = GJ (VoH‐mg = dL): 10 cycle = 10 s: 0.329 = 110; 15 cycles = 15 s: 0.177 = 164; 20 cycles = 20 s: 0.130 = 205; 25 cycles = 25 s: 0.086 = 200; 30 cycles = 30 s: 0.077 = 267]. Conclusion: The strong correlations and high consistency between the two masticatory performance methods found in this study conclude that the two assessment methods are reliable and interchangeable. Further evaluations are warranted to arrive at a conversion formula for translation of the results between the two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A technical qualification system was developed in 2004 by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery. An analysis of the EnSSURE study on 3188 stage II–III rectal cancer patients, which was performed by including the participation of qualified surgeons as assistants and advisers without restricting their participation as operators, revealed that the participation of technically qualified surgeons in surgery improved the technical and oncological safety of laparoscopic rectal resection. Aim: This secondary retrospective analysis of the EnSSURE study examined the advantage of qualified surgeons participating in laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR). Methods: The outcomes of low anterior resection were compared between groups with and without the participation of surgeons qualified by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (Q and non‐Q groups, respectively). We used propensity score matching to generate paired cohorts at a one‐to‐one ratio. The postoperative complication rate, short‐term results (hemorrhage volume, operative time, number of dissected lymph nodes, open conversion rate, intraoperative complication rate, and R0 resection rate), and long‐term results (disease‐free survival rate, local recurrence rate, and overall survival rate) were evaluated. Results: The frequencies of postoperative complications, anastomotic bleeding, and intraperitoneal abscess were significantly lower, the operative time was significantly shorter, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter, and the number of dissected lymph nodes was higher in the Q group. No significant differences were observed in disease‐free survival, local recurrence, or overall survival rate rates between the groups. Conclusion: The participation of qualified surgeons in LAR is technically advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of institutional volume on postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic colectomy is still being debated. This study aimed to investigate whether differences in postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic colon resection exist between high‐ and low‐volume centers. Methods: Data were reviewed for 1360 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer between 2016 and 2022. Patients were divided according to whether they were treated at a high‐volume center (≥100 colorectal surgeries annually; n = 947) or a low‐volume center (<100 colorectal surgeries annually; n = 413). Propensity score matching was applied to balance covariates and minimize selection biases that could affect outcomes. Finally, 406 patients from each group were matched. Results: After matching, patients from high‐volume centers showed a higher number of retrieved lymph nodes (19 vs. 17, p <.001) and more frequent involvement of expert surgeons (98.3% vs. 88.4%, p <.001). Postoperative complication rates were similar between groups (p =.488). No significant differences between high‐ and low‐volume centers were seen in relapse‐free survival (88.8% each, p =.716) or overall survival (85.7% vs. 82.8%, p =.480). Conclusion: The present study suggests that in appropriately educated organizations, relatively safe procedures and good prognosis may be obtained for laparoscopic colectomy cases, regardless of institutional volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Although diet is one of the potential environmental factors affecting ulcerative colitis (UC), evidence is not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions. This Japanese case–control study examined the association between the consumption of coffee, other caffeine‐containing beverages and food, and total caffeine and the risk of UC. Methods: The study involved 384 UC cases and 665 control subjects. Intake of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, black tea, green tea, oolong tea, carbonated soft drinks, and chocolate snacks was measured with a semiquantitative food‐frequency questionnaire. Adjustments were made for sex, age, pack‐years of smoking, alcohol consumption, history of appendicitis, family history of UC, education level, body mass index, and intake of vitamin C, retinol, and total energy. Results: Higher consumption of coffee and carbonated soft drinks was associated with a reduced risk of UC with a significant dose–response relationship (P for trend for coffee and carbonated soft drinks were <0.0001 and 0.01, respectively), whereas higher consumption of chocolate snacks was significantly associated with an increased risk of UC. No association was observed between consumption of decaffeinated coffee, black tea, green tea, or oolong tea and the risk of UC. Total caffeine intake was inversely associated with the risk of UC; the adjusted odds ratio between extreme quartiles was 0.44 (95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.67; P for trend <0.0001). Conclusions: We confirmed that intake of coffee and caffeine is also associated with a reduced risk of UC in Japan where people consume relatively low quantities of coffee compared with Western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This systematic review purposed to investigate whether low‐level laser therapy is effective in reducing pain and edema in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Materials and Methods: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, IEEE XPLORE, Google Scholar, Open Thesis, OpenGrey, and Open Access Thesis and Dissertationswith no restrictions on language or year of publication. PICOS strategy wasused to define the eligibility criteria. The risk of bias (ROB 2.0 Tool) andmethodological quality assessment was carried out, and a meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effect model. The quality of evidence was classified with the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) classification system. The analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane IMS, Copenhagen, Denmark). Results: A total of 1255 potentially relevant records were selected through the search strategy. After screening titles and abstracts, five full‐text manuscripts were assessed for eligibility and three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta‐analysis. Results favourable to low‐level laser therapy were found both for the pain outcome (p < 0.0001) and edema (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the limitations of this systematic review, low‐level laser therapy showed a positive effect in reducing pain and edema in the postoperative period of bimaxillary orthognathic surgeries, with moderate and high‐quality evidence, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor sensitivity to platinum (Pt)‐based chemotherapy and poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors is increased by homologous recombination deficiency‐causing mutations; in particular, reversion mutations cause drug resistance by restoring protein function. Treatment response is predicted by breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) mutations; however, BRCA1/2 reversion mutations have not been comprehensively studied in pan‐cancer cohorts. We aimed to characterize BRCA1/2 reversion mutations in a large pan‐cancer cohort of Japanese patients by retrospectively analyzing sequencing data for BRCA1/2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations in 3738 patients with 32 cancer types. We identified somatic mutations in tumors or circulating cell‐free DNA that could restore the ORF of adverse alleles, including reversion mutations. We identified 12 (0.32%) patients with somatic BRCA1 (n = 3) and BRCA2 (n = 9) reversion mutations in breast (n = 4), ovarian/fallopian tube/peritoneal (n = 4), pancreatic (n = 2), prostate (n = 1), and gallbladder (n = 1) cancers. We identified 21 reversion events—BRCA1 (n = 3), BRCA2 (n = 18)—including eight pure deletions, one single‐nucleotide variant, six multinucleotide variants, and six deletion–insertions. Seven (33.3%) reversion deletions showed a microhomology length greater than 1 bp, suggesting microhomology‐mediated end‐join repair. Disease course data were obtained for all patients with reversion events: four patients acquired mutations after PARP‐inhibitor treatment failure, two showed somatic reversion mutations after disease progression, following Pt‐based treatment, five showed mutations after both treatments, one patient with pancreatic cancer and BRCA1 reversion mutations had no history of either treatment. Although reversion mutations commonly occur in BRCA‐associated cancers, our findings suggest that reversion mutations due to Pt‐chemotherapy might be correlated with BRCA1/2‐mediated tumorigenesis even in non‐BRCA‐associated histologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recently, a close association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and erectile dysfunction (ED) was reported. An inverse relationship between serum albumin and ED is found in patients with chronic disease. However, the association between serum albumin levels and ED in patients with UC is unclear. This study aims to investigate this issue in Japanese patients with UC. Methods: One hundred and thirty‐six Japanese male UC patients were enrolled in this study. Information on serum albumin levels and medications for UC from medical records, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score information from self‐administered questionnaires and information on the severity of UC from physician reports were obtained from medical records, self‐administered questionnaires, and reports from physicians. The participants were divided into tertiles based on the total protein, serum globulin, serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and C‐reactive protein levels. The definition of ED and severe ED was SHIM score < 22 and SHIM score < 8, respectively. The association between these serum markers and ED was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of severe ED in the low, moderate, and high albumin groups was 66.0%, 51.0%, and 28.3%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, the low albumin group was independently and positively associated with severe ED (adjusted odds ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–7.48, p for trend =0.044). No association between other marker and ED was found. Conclusion: Serum albumin was independently inversely associated with severe ED in Japanese patients with UC. Hypoalbuminemia might be a useful complementary marker for assessing the prevalence and severity of ED in UC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocean carbonate system is critical to monitor because it plays a major role in regulating Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. It is monitored using a variety of measurements, and it is commonly understood that all components of seawater carbonate chemistry can be calculated when at least two carbonate system variables are measured. However, several recent studies have highlighted systematic discrepancies between calculated and directly measured carbonate chemistry variables and these discrepancies have large implications for efforts to measure and quantify the changing ocean carbon cycle. Given this, the Ocean Carbonate System Intercomparison Forum (OCSIF) was formed as a working group through the Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry program to coordinate and recommend research to quantify and/or reduce uncertainties and disagreements in measurable seawater carbonate system measurements and calculations, identify unknown or overlooked sources of these uncertainties, and provide recommendations for making progress on community efforts despite these uncertainties. With this paper we aim to (1) summarize recent progress toward quantifying and reducing carbonate system uncertainties; (2) advocate for research to further reduce and better quantify carbonate system measurement uncertainties; (3) present a small amount of new data, metadata, and analysis related to uncertainties in carbonate system measurements; and (4) restate and explain the rationales behind several OCSIF recommendations. We focus on open ocean carbonate chemistry, and caution that the considerations we discuss become further complicated in coastal, estuarine, and sedimentary environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Thirty‐day reoperation rate reflects short‐term surgical outcomes following surgery. Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer reportedly has positive effects on postoperative complications. This retrospective study investigated risk factors for 30‐day reoperation rate among patients after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery using a multicenter database. Methods: Participants comprised 3037 patients who had undergone laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer between April 2016 and December 2022 at the Nagasaki University and six affiliated centers, classified into those who had undergone reoperation within 30 days after surgery (RO group; n = 88) and those who had not (NRO group; n = 2949). Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between groups. Results: In the RO group, anastomotic leakage occurred in 57 patients (64.8%), intestinal obstruction in 12 (13.6%), and intraabdominal abscess in 5 (5.7%). Female patients were more frequent, preoperative treatment less frequent, body mass index (BMI) lower, operation time longer, blood loss greater, and hospital stay longer in the RO group (p <.05 each). Multivariate analysis revealed BMI (odds ratio, 0.415; 95% confidence interval, 0.218–0.787; p =.021) and poor performance status (odds ratio, 1.966; 95% confidence interval, 1.106–3.492; p =.021) as independent predictors of reoperation. Conclusion: Perioperative measures are warranted for patients with low BMI and poor performance status undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is induced by pathological knee conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of tactile stimulation on reflex changes induced by simulated AMI during unpredictable landing performances. Twenty participants performed six unilateral landing tasks: 15 cm normal landing (15NL), 30 cm normal landing (30NL), surprise landing (SL), 30 cm normal landing following vibration (30NLV), SL following vibration (SLV), and SL following vibration with Kinesiology tape (SLK). For SL, the solid landing platform (15 cm) was removed and replaced by a false floor. Since the false floor dislodged easily under load, participants unpredictably fell through the platform to the actual landing surface 15 cm below. After completing 15NL, 30NL, and SL, vibration was applied to participants' knees to induce neurological changes similar to AMI. After vibration, participants performed 30NLV, SLV, and SLK in a random order. EMG signals in the post‐landing short latency (31–60 ms) and medium latency (61–90 ms) periods were examined. EMG signals from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and biceps femoris (BF) were recorded and compared between tasks. EMG signals of all muscles in SL were significantly enhanced in the medium latency period as compared with 30NL. Enhanced EMG signals in SL were suppressed by vibration stimulation in the VL, but the suppressed EMG signals were restored after cutaneous stimulation with Kinesiology tape (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that AMI could alter motor control patterns during unpredictable landing and that tactile stimulation could restore the altered motor control to a normal state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To clarify differences in surgery duration, postoperative knee range of motion (ROM), anterior and posterior (AP) laxity, and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) in patients undergoing medial‐pivot (MP) and GRADIUS cruciate‐retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries. Methods: We examined patients who underwent either MP or CR TKA at six different Japanese centres. Patients were propensity score matched for age, sex, and preoperative hip‐knee angle (HKA). We compared the groups' average surgery duration, postoperative knee ROM, AP laxity, and FJS 1 year after surgery. Results: There were 86 study patients: 43 MP and 43 CR TKA matched for age, sex, and preoperative HKA. The MP group enjoyed a significantly shorter surgery duration (89.1 ± 10.9 mins vs. 95.7 ± 12.0 mins, p = 0.0091) and significantly better postoperative knee flexion than the CR group (123.7 ± 9.1° vs. 115.3 ± 12.4°, p < 0.001). The MP had significantly smaller postoperative AP laxity with 30° of knee flexion than the CR group (3.4 ± 1.3 vs. 5.6 ± 2.2 mm, p < 0.001). Conversely, postoperative AP laxity with 90° of knee flexion was significantly larger for the MP group (3.6 ± 1.3 vs. 2.7 ± 1.9 mm, p = 0.0098). There were no between‐group differences in postoperative FJS. Conclusions: The MP group showed better postoperative knee flexion, midrange AP knee stability, and shorter surgery duration. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been the gold standard surgical procedure. However, the adaptation criteria for malignant tumors and predictors of perioperative outcomes are not well defined. Therefore, this study tried to identify valid predictors for perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy and consider the adaptation criteria. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative and perioperative data of 216 patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our hospital. Preoperative factors associated with perioperative outcomes were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results: Among 216 patients, 165 (76.4%), 26 (12.0%), and 25 (11.6%) were suspected of having benign tumors, pheochromocytoma, and malignant tumors, respectively. Median tumor size was 25.0 mm (interquartile range 18.0–35.0); median perirenal fat thickness was 9.2 mm (interquartile range 4.9–15.6) on preoperative computed tomography scans. The median operative time was 145.5 min (interquartile range 117.5–184.0) and the median estimated blood loss was 0.0 mL (interquartile range 0.0–27.3). Perirenal fat thickness (p < 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.001), and malignant tumors (p = 0.020) were associated with operative time, and perirenal fat thickness (p = 0.038) and malignant tumors (p = 0.002) were associated with estimated blood loss. Conclusions: Perirenal fat thickness, tumor size, and malignant tumors are valid predictors of the surgical outcomes of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. As only perirenal fat thickness is associated with both surgical outcomes except for malignant tumors, it is a powerful predictor. Transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large malignant adrenal tumors with thick perirenal fat should be performed with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a milder variant of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lethal X‐linked muscular disorder. Here, we aim to investigat the clinical involvement of skeletal, respiratory, cardiac, and central nervous systems in patients with BMD, as well as genotype–phenotype relationships. Methods: This nationwide cohort study investigated the clinical manifestations and genotype–phenotype relationships in 225 patients with BMD having in‐frame deletion from 22 medical centers. The primary outcome was to elucidate the association of genotype with skeletal muscle, respiratory, cardiac, and central nervous system disorders. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The average age of the subjects was 31.5 (range, 1–81) years. Initial symptoms of BMD were muscular (60%), followed by asymptomatic hypercreatine kinasemia (32.4%) and central nervous system disorders (5.3%). Gait disturbance was observed in 53.8% of patients and the average age at wheelchair introduction was 36.5 years. The ventilator introduction rate was 6.7% at an average age of 36.6 years. More than 30% of patients had an abnormal electrocardiogram and approximately 15% had heart failure symptoms. Cardiac function on echocardiography varied significantly among the patients. The frequencies of seizures and intellectual/developmental disability were 8.0% and 16.9%, respectively. Exon 45–47deletion (del) was the most common (22.6%), followed by exon 45–48del (13.1%). Patients with exon 45–49del patients demonstrated severe skeletal muscle damage. Patients with exon 45–47del and exon 45–55del patients did not require ventilator use. Interpretation: The study provides important prognostic information for patients and clinicians to establish therapy plans and to implement preventative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the results of a nationwide questionnaire administered to 699 stimulant offenders and examined sex differences in the association between various psychosocial problems and treatment history for substance use disorder. Based on their attributes, we predominantly evaluated the treatment and support provided to women with substance use disorder. The rates of childhood (before the age of 18) traumatic experiences (physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and neglect) and lifetime intimate partner violence were significantly higher in women than in men. The history of treatment for substance use disorder was also significantly higher in women than in men, at 15.8% for men and 42.4% for women [χ2(1) = 41.223, p < 0.001]. Logistic regression analysis was performed using the treatment history of substance use disorder as the dependent variable. The results showed that treatment history was significantly associated with the total drug abuse screening test‐20 score and suicidal ideation in men and with survivors of child abuse and eating disorders in women. A comprehensive assessment is required for several issues, such as child abuse, domestic violence, trauma symptoms, eating disorders, and drug problems. Moreover, an integrated treatment for substance use disorder, trauma, and eating disorders is required for female stimulant offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]