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A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00601-021-01635-y [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of double- Λ hypernuclei, which contain two Λ hyperons in a nucleus, provide valuable information on baryon–baryon interaction in the strangeness - 2 sector, such as the Λ – Λ interaction. Whereas several double- Λ hypernuclei have been discovered in nuclear-emulsion experiments, an experimental observation of Λ Λ 5 H is awaited. It is not only because Λ Λ 5 H is theoretically expected to be the lightest bound state, but also because Λ Λ – Ξ N coupling may play an important role in its structure. On the other hand, the coupling effect may be suppressed in Λ Λ 6 He .We propose an experiment to investigate Λ Λ 5 H at J-PARC. Λ Λ 5 H will be produced by a decay of a Ξ hypernucleus, Ξ 7 H, which can be produced by the 7 Li (K - , K +) reaction. The mass of Λ Λ 5 H will be determined by means of decay pion spectroscopy; it can be calculated from the measured momentum of decay pions, owing to a two-body decay of Λ Λ 5 H. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of circular polarization of γ -ray emitted from neutron capture reactions provide valuable information for nuclear physics studies. The spin and parity of excited states can be determined by measuring the circular polarization from polarized neutron capture reactions. Furthermore, the γ -ray circular polarization in a neutron capture resonance is crucial for studying the enhancement effect of parity nonconservation in compound nuclei. The γ -ray circular polarization can be measured using a polarimeter based on magnetic Compton scattering. A polarimeter was constructed, and its performance indicators were evaluated using a circularly polarized γ -ray beam. Finally, as a demonstration, the γ -ray circular polarization was measured in 32S(n , γ )33S reactions with polarized neutrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malunion at the shaft of the middle phalanx yields less functional problems compared with malunion at the shaft of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal bones. In the present report, the patient sustained a minimally displaced fracture at the distal portion of the distal middle phalanx of the ring finger spraining the finger during playing flag football. Fracture was treated conservatively and fracture union was completed. However, the patient complained of functional problems in activities of daily living due to the malrotational deformity of the finger. We treated the malrotational deformity close to the distal interphalangeal joint of the middle phalanx with step-cut osteotomy at the affected bone successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eleven-year-old male gymnast felt right wrist pain when performing handstands on the floor without any major traumas. Displaced scaphoid fracture was observed on the anteroposterior view of the radiograph. Both on the T1-weighted image from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and on the short TI inversion recovery (STIR) image from MRI, low intensity was detected at the middle of the ossification center of the scaphoid and the physis and the articular cartilage covering the scaphoid bone were preserved without any injury. The patient was diagnosed with stress fracture of the ossification center of the scaphoid and successfully treated conservatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper considers the problem for designing optimal smoothing and interpolating splines with equality and/or inequality constraints. The splines are constituted by employing normalized uniform B-splines as the basis functions, namely as weighted sum of shifted B-splines of degree k. Then a central issue is to determine an optimal vector of the so-called control points. By employing such an approach, it is shown that various types of constraints are formulated as linear function of the control points, and the problems reduce to quadratic programming problems. We demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness by numerical examples including approximation of probability density functions, approximation of discontinuous functions, and trajectory planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present a rare case report of a patient who presented with posterior interosseous nerve palsy caused by synovial chondromatosis. Synovial chondromatosis arising in the annular periradial recesses of the elbow joint was detected, and the mass developed two major portions constricted with the annular ligament. After surgical resection, posterior interosseous nerve palsy fully recovered and there was no recurrence of the lesion of synovial chondromatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Osteochondrosis of the second or third metatarsal head is a rare condition called Freiberg's disease. To relieve foot pain, conservative treatment with a foot orthosis to reduce weight-bearing and immobilize the foot are recommended. In cases in which such treatments have proved to be ineffective, several surgical treatments have been performed. The appropriate surgical treatment for Freiberg's disease remains controversial.Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 20-year-old Japanese woman with a three-year history of right forefoot pain and no history of trauma. Two years after treatment by autologous osteochondral plug transplantation, she has neither complaints nor symptoms.Conclusion: Autologous osteochondral plug transplantation represents a potentially successful surgical arthroplastic option in preserving the metatarsophalangeal joint in patients with Freiberg's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of subcutaneous peroneus longus tendon rupture associated with os peroneum fracture. Three dimensional computed tomographic scan was useful to understand this disorder. We treated the patient with excision of fractured os peroneum and tenodesis of the proximal stump of the ruptured peroneus longus tendon to the lateral aspect of the calcaneus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we performed a mechanical analysis of the effect of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on autologous osteochondral transplantation in a rabbit model. A full-thickness cartilage defect (diameter: 5 mm; depth: 5 mm) made in the right femoral condyle was treated with osteochondral transplantation using an osteochondral plug (diameter: 6 mm; depth: 5 mm) taken from the left femoral condyle. The animals were divided into three groups: Group I, the defect was filled with 0.1 ml of gelatin hydrogel containing 1 μg of FGF-2; Group II, the defect was filled with 0.1 ml of gelatin hydrogel only; Group III, the defect was left untreated. Thereafter, osteochondral plugs were transplanted and the transplanted osteochondral grafts were evaluated mechanically and histologically at postoperative weeks 1, 3, 8 and 12. The structural property of the osteochondral graft was significantly greater in Group I than in Groups II and III at postoperative week 3. Histological analysis at 3 weeks revealed a tendency towards increased subchondral bone trabeculae in Group I compared with the other groups. Autologous osteochondral grafts transplanted with gelatin hydrogel containing FGF-2 acquired adequate stiffness at an early postoperative phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a problem of optimal design of periodic smoothing spline surfaces employing normalized uniform B-splines as the basis functions. The surface can be periodic in either of two variables or in both. The expressions for optimal solutions are concise and are readily solved numerically. These periodic surfaces can be used to construct closed or semiclosed surfaces in the 3-D space. Assuming that the data are obtained by sampling some surface with noises, we present convergent properties of optimal spline surface when the number of data becomes infinity. The results are applied to the problem of modeling contour of wet material objects with deforming motion. The effectiveness is examined by numerical and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we develop a systematic method for detecting the extrema of bivariate spline functions and of their derivatives. It is assumed that the splines are constituted by employing normalized, uniform B-splines as the basis functions, and the detection procedure fully utilizes the spline properties. All the extrema can be found except those with singular Hessian matrix. By numerical examples, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a rare case of neglected fracture dislocation of the second and third carpometacarpal joints, which was treated by arthrodesis of the involved joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the problem of generating and manipulating characters, words, and sentences. First, characters are obtained as the trace of the cross-sectional area between a virtual writing plane and a virtual writing device modeled by a circular cone, which is moving in a three-dimensional space. Such a motion is designed as a sum of weighted and time-shifted B-spline functions. A sequence of weight vectors called control points defines the so-called control polygon, and represents the motion and hence, a character. Characters or control polygons designed in this way are then connected in a systematic way to yield words and sentences, which again are represented as a control polygon, either small or large. Then, we consider transforming the typeface of characters or words to the omitted running styles as seen in Japanese calligraphy. Such a scheme is developed by formulating the problem as an optimal function-approximation problem, which minimizes an input energy of writing motions. Finally, a design example of cursive words is included and also the method is implemented for robotic handwriting. Thus, the paper provides a unified framework for generating and manipulating characters, words, and sentences, which are complex planar patterns, in a systematic as well as theoretically sound fashion. Although we describe the method using Japanese Kana characters, the idea and methodology for constructing and reconstructing characters and character strings is general and is not only limited to Japanese characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the problem of reconstructing characters and words. As the basic tool for generating characters, we employ the 'dynamic font' method, where designing characters and words reduces to the design of three-dimensional motions of a virtual writing pen. Assuming that some standard characters and words are already designed, we propose a method for transforming their typefaces to the omitted running styles as seen in Japanese calligraphy. Since this is viewed as the problem of redesigning motions of the pen, we introduce a robotic arm with the pen in its hand and plan the hand motion by employing a minimum torque change model. Using a velocity linearized model of arm dynamics, we solve the associated optimization problem completely. The solution is given in compact form and the computational process is straightforward as well as stable numerically. Design examples show the usefulness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress fractures of the olecranon caused by repetitive stress force have infrequently been reported as a cause of elbow pain in adult athletes, engaged in throwing and pitching sports. We diagnosed as a stress fracture of the olecranon by clinical and radiographic findings and treated surgically. The patient returned to playing baseball at a competitive level and was asymptomatic 4 months after the first operation. However, the patient re-injured the olecranon and a second surgical treatment was performed almost 1 year after the first operation. After the second surgery, the patient returned to playing baseball at a competitive level and was free from elbow symptoms. We presented a stress fracture of the olecranon in a semi-professional adult baseball player and suggested that surgical treatment is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of injury, simultaneous fractures of scaphoid, distal radius and radial head. It was treated by fixation operatively, and then early active range of motion exercise was started. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress fracture of the carpal scaphoid is very rare. We present stress fracture of the scaphoid in an adolescent gymnast who was treated with internal fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 17-year-old boy, who played a weight lifting in high school, sustained stress fracture of the first rib without any causes. We successfully treated first rib stress fracture with limitation of using the upper extremity and with using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of chronic post-traumatic hyperextension of the PIP joint of the little finger. The volar plate was reattached at the original attachment site of the proximal phalanx using two suture anchors and tenodesis of the radial half slip of the FDS tendon was added. An acceptable result was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute tendon rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) is rare. We present acute EPL tendon rupture associated with avulsed fracture of the second metacarpal at the insertion of extensor carpi radialis longus. Tendon rupture of the EPL was repaired with end-to-end suture and avulsed fracture of the second metacarpal base was treated with open reduction and internal fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nine-year-old boy fell on his outstretched hand and was diagnosed with simultaneous fractures of the scaphoid and the capitate. The patient was treated conservatively with a cast for two months. Fracture of the capitate healed, however, fracture of the scaphoid resulted in non-union. We treated scaphoid non-union with an iliac bone graft and internal fixation. Three years after surgery, the patient had neither complaints nor complications and union of the scaphoid was confirmed on the radiographs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted an inclusive missing-mass spectroscopy of Sn ( d, He) reaction near the π¯ emission threshold at an incident energy of T = 250 MeV/nucleon. The experiment sets its goals to the research and development of the high precision spectroscopy of pionic atoms at the RI beam factory (RIBF) of RIKEN, which precedes a new project, pionic atom factory project (piAF), to observe pionic atoms systematically. Here, we report the preliminary results of the pilot experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are going to perform an inclusive spectroscopy experiment of η′ mesic nuclei with the C( p, d) reaction to study in-medium properties of the η′ meson. In nuclear medium, the η′ meson mass may be reduced due to partial restoration of chiral symmetry. In case of sufficiently large mass reduction and small absorption width of η′ at normal nuclear density, peak structures of η′ mesic states in C will be observed near the η′ emission threshold even in an inclusive spectrum. The experiment will be carried out at GSI with proton beam supplied by SIS using FRS as a spectrometer. The detail of the experiment is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We calculate theoretically the formation spectra of ή(958)-nucleus systems in the (p,d) reaction for the investigation of in-medium modification of the ή mass. We show comprehensive numerical calculations based on a simple form of the ή optical potential in nuclei with various potential depths. We conclude that one finds evidence of a possible attractive interaction between ή and the nucleus as a peak structure appearing around the ή threshold in light nuclei such as 11C, when the attractive potential is stronger than 100 MeV and the absorption width is of order 40 MeV or less. Spectroscopy of the (p,d) reaction is expected to be performed experimentally at existing facilities, such as GSI. We also estimate the contributions from the ω and ɸ mesons, which have masses close to the ή meson, concluding that the observation of the peak structure of the ή-mesic nuclei is not disturbed, although their contributions may not be small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have measured the energy spectrum of pionic Sn atoms by missing-mass spectroscopy of the Sn( d, He) reaction near the π emission threshold. The measurement serves as a pilot experiment for high precision systematic spectroscopy of deeply bound pionic atoms in a new pionic Atom Factory project (piAF) at the RI beam factory (RIBF) of RIKEN. The status of the analysis is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterial tuberculous tenosynovitis of the hand is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, while mycobacterial tuberculous tenosynovitis of the extensor tendon sheath is extremely rare. We report a case of tuberculous tenosynovitis of the extensor tendon of the finger, occurring in a man receiving immunosuppression following a liver transplantation. Symptoms improved clinically after conservative treatment with anti-tuberculous drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Periodic smoothing splines appear for example as generators of closed, planar curves, and in this paper they are constructed using a controlled two point boundary value problem in order to generate the desired spline function. The procedure is based on minimum norm problems in Hilbert spaces and a suitable Hilbert space is defined together with a corresponding linear affine variety that captures the constraints. The optimization is then reduced to the computationally stable problem of finding the point in the constraint variety closest to the data points. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Muscle-derived cells can differentiate into chondrogenic cells. In our present study, we investigated the pattern of expression of Sox9, a transcription factor known to play a key role in chondrogenesis, in a rat myoblastic cell line, L6. In addition, we evaluated expression of type II collagen and myogenic regulatory markers by reverse-transcript polymerase chain reaction. We also investigated the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3, which is known to induce chondrogenesis, on Sox9 mRNA expression. On the first day of culture, we observed a high expression of Sox9. However, on the seventh day of culture, there was a decline in the level of Sox9 and type II collagen mRNAs and an increased expression of Myf5 and myogenin mRNAs. Sox9 mRNA expression was increased after stimulation of TGF-β3 at 2, 6, and 24 hr. Cartilage nodules were observed in L6 cells treated with TGF-β3 and dexamethasone. These results indicated that L6 myoblasts originally possess the capacity to differentiate into chondrogenic cells, but that capacity is lost as the cells differentiate toward the myogenic lineage. In addition, TGF-β3 may modulate Sox9 mRNA expression in L6 cells and retain the capacity to differentiate into chondrogenic lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, two cases presenting with CTS including a fracture of the silicone implant for Kienböck's disease after replacement over 20 years postoperatively where CTR ceased the symptoms of CTS. The major symptom characteristic was the median nerve impairment with less emphasis on the limited range of motion of the wrist or wrist pain due to a fracture of the silicone implant. There was an unlikely association between the fracture of the implant and CTS, which was confirmed by the operative findings of tenosynovitis and thickness of the degenerated transverse ligament without a significant protrusion of the silicone implant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is well known for its potential to promote brain plasticity. It has been proposed that combining cognitive and physical exercise (CCPE) may have the potential to generate more synergistic benefits in cognitive function than either cognitive exercise (CE) or physical exercise (PE) alone. The purpose of this study was to examine acute responses of peripheral BDNF levels and cognitive performance to CE, PE, and CCPE. Methods: Thirteen healthy adult men participated in four experimental sessions; a 30-min CE, a 30-min cycling PE at an intensity of 60% peak oxygen uptake, a 30-min CCPE at the same intensity as PE, and a 30-min session of complete rest. Plasma BDNF levels and cognitive performance were measured before and after each session. Results: Both PE and CCPE significantly increased plasma BDNF levels (p < .05). CE led to no significant increase (p ≥ .05), and there was no significant difference in peripheral BDNF levels between PE and CCPE (p ≥ .05). No session induced a significant change in cognitive performance (p ≥ .05). Conclusions: Our study suggests that CE and PE have different responses of peripheral BDNF levels and that CCPE had no additional or synergistic effect on peripheral BDNF levels compared with PE alone. This study offers further insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the respective roles of CE, PE, and CCPE for peripheral BDNF levels and cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Increased physical activity (PA) is a crucial factor in the prevention of physical deterioration, and resistance training (RT) is also a common and effective intervention for older adults. However, the effects of PA as an adjunct to RT on frailty status remains unclear; therefore, we clarified the effect of a PA intervention with feedback, as an adjunct to resistance strength training, on the physical and mental outcomes of frail older adults. Materials and methods We employed a randomized controlled trial. Community-dwelling frail older adults in Japan were recruited to participate. Forty-one participants (mean age 81.5) were randomly assigned to engage in a resistance training with PA (RPA group) or RT group for six months. Frailty status and frailty scores, which were measured according to the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria—muscle strength, mobility, instrumental activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life—were assessed. Results Participants in the RPA group exhibited a significant increase in light-intensity PA, the number of steps taken daily (p < 0.05), and lower-limb muscle strength (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in frailty scores. However, pre- and postintervention frailty status, instrumental activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life did not differ significantly. Conclusions Implementation of a PA intervention as an adjunct to RT is feasible, as it reduced frailty scores and increased lower-limb muscle strength and mobility in older adults with frailty symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We have previously reported that a cylindrical bioabsorbable synthetic polymer scaffold made of poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) can be used to repair osteochondral defects without using cultured cells in a rabbit model. This cylindrical scaffold has a solid and pre-formed design, which limits its widespread application. Therefore, we created a cotton-textured PLG scaffold, which would be superior to other scaffolds in terms of plastic property and operability. The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of the cotton-textured PLG scaffold in the repair of osteochondral defects. Methods: Cotton-textured PLG scaffolds were prepared using the electrospinning method and used to repair osteochondral defects produced on the right femoral condyle in 36 rabbits. As a control, the defect was left untreated. The outcomes of repair were examined histologically at postoperative weeks four, eight, and 12. Results: In the untreated control group, the surface of the defect remained concave and the regenerated cartilaginous tissue partially covered the articular surface even at postoperative week 12. In the scaffold group, cartilaginous tissue covered the surface of the defect at postoperative week four, and the surface was smooth and the cartilaginous tissue was well regenerated and integrated with the native cartilage at postoperative week 12. Conclusions: The cotton-textured PLG scaffold could repair the osteochondral defect with good outcomes similar to those previously reported for the cylindrical scaffold, with its characteristic advantages of better plasticity and operability. We conclude that the cotton-textured PLG scaffold has potential for clinical application in comminuted osteochondral injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ligaments are frequently damaged in sports activities and trauma, and severe ligament injury can lead to joint instability and osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to regenerate the medial collateral ligament (MCL) using an absorbable stent-shaped poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold in a rabbit model to examine the biocompatibility and mechanical properties.Methods: Twenty-three Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. MCL defects were surgically created in the knee joints and then reconstructed using stent-shaped PLLA scaffolds. As controls, flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons were implanted into the contralateral knees. Seven rabbits were sacrificed at three time points, conducted four, eight and 16 weeks after the operation. The regenerated tissues were histologically evaluated using fibre alignment scoring, morphology of fibroblast scoring and immunohistochemical analysis of types I and III collagen. The regenerated tissues were also biomechanically evaluated by measuring the ultimate failure load and stiffness.Results: At four weeks post-operation, spindle-shaped cells were observed on the inside of the scaffolds. At eight weeks, maturation of the regenerated tissues and collagen fibre alignment parallel to the ligaments was observed. At 16 weeks, the fibre alignment had become denser. The fibre alignment and morphology of fibroblast scores significantly increased in a time-dependent manner. Expression of type I collagen was more strongly observed in the scaffold group at eight and 16 weeks post-operation than at four weeks. Type III collagen was also observed at four, eight and 16 weeks post-operation. A thin layer of fibrocartilage was observed at the ligament-bone junction at eight and 16 weeks. The ultimate failure load of the scaffold group was 46.7 ± 20.7 N, 66.5 ± 11.0 N and 74.3 ± 11.5 N at four, eight and 16 weeks post-operation, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the normal MCL and the scaffold group at 16 weeks post-operation.Conclusions: The stent-shaped PLLA scaffold allowed for MCL regeneration with type I collagen expression and fibrocartilage formation and resulted in sufficient mechanical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ligaments are frequently damaged in sports activities and trauma, and severe ligament injury can lead to joint instability and osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to regenerate the medial collateral ligament (MCL) using an absorbable stent-shaped poly- l-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold in a rabbit model to examine the biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Methods: Twenty-three Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. MCL defects were surgically created in the knee joints and then reconstructed using stent-shaped PLLA scaffolds. As controls, flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons were implanted into the contralateral knees. Seven rabbits were sacrificed at three time points, conducted four, eight and 16 weeks after the operation. The regenerated tissues were histologically evaluated using fibre alignment scoring, morphology of fibroblast scoring and immunohistochemical analysis of types I and III collagen. The regenerated tissues were also biomechanically evaluated by measuring the ultimate failure load and stiffness. Results: At four weeks post-operation, spindle-shaped cells were observed on the inside of the scaffolds. At eight weeks, maturation of the regenerated tissues and collagen fibre alignment parallel to the ligaments was observed. At 16 weeks, the fibre alignment had become denser. The fibre alignment and morphology of fibroblast scores significantly increased in a time-dependent manner. Expression of type I collagen was more strongly observed in the scaffold group at eight and 16 weeks post-operation than at four weeks. Type III collagen was also observed at four, eight and 16 weeks post-operation. A thin layer of fibrocartilage was observed at the ligament-bone junction at eight and 16 weeks. The ultimate failure load of the scaffold group was 46.7 ± 20.7 N, 66.5 ± 11.0 N and 74.3 ± 11.5 N at four, eight and 16 weeks post-operation, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the normal MCL and the scaffold group at 16 weeks post-operation. Conclusions: The stent-shaped PLLA scaffold allowed for MCL regeneration with type I collagen expression and fibrocartilage formation and resulted in sufficient mechanical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in chondrogenic differentiation in the growth plate of the epiphysis. This function is necessary for chondrocyte survival in cartilage development. We investigated the localization of VEGF in the osteochondral regeneration process using a bioabsorbable polymer scaffold. Osteochondral defects (5 mm in diameter and 5 mm in depth) were made on the femoral condyle of forty-eight skeletally mature female Japanese white rabbits. In total, twenty-four defects were filled with poly( DL-lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds and the others were left untreated. The regeneration process was investigated macroscopically, histologically, immunohistochemically, and by gene expression analysis. In the early stages of osteochondral regeneration, bone ingrowth was observed in the deep zone of the scaffold with continuous VEGF expression; cartilage regeneration was observed in the superficial zone of the scaffold with decreased VEGF expression. In contrast, when the defect was left untreated, VEGF localization was observed throughout the entire defect area, and cartilage regeneration at the articular surface was delayed. We conclude that decrease in localization of VEGF at the articular surface in the postoperative early stage is closely related to the progression of cartilage regeneration in osteochondral defects. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:252-259, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

successful scaffold for use in tendon tissue engineering requires a high affinity for living organisms and the ability to maintain its mechanical strength until maturation of the regenerated tissue. We compared two types of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds for use in tendon regeneration, a plain-woven PLLA fabric (fabric P) with a smooth surface only and a double layered PLLA fabric (fabric D) with a smooth surface on one side and a rough (pile-finished) surface on the other side. These two types of fabric were implanted into the back muscles of rabbits and evaluated at three and six weeks after implantation. Histological examination showed collagen tissues were highly regenerated on the rough surface of fabric D. On the other hand, liner cell attachment was seen in the smooth surface of fabric P and fabric D. The total DNA amount was significantly higher in fabric D. Additionally, mechanical examination showed fabric P had lost its mechanical strength by six weeks after implantation, while the strength of fabric D was maintained. Fabric D had more cell migration on one side and less cell adhesion on the other side and maintained its initial strength. Thus, a novel form of double-layered PLLA fabric has the potential to be used as a scaffold in tendon regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumocephalus is a well-known condition following head trauma, but is rare as an injury or as a result of surgery of the spine. We present a 76-year-old patient with a rare case of pneumocephalus associated with a cerebrospinal fluid fistula as a complication of surgical treatment for cervical myelopathy. Although cerebrospinal fluid leakage was noted and the injured dura was carefully sutured at operation, tension pneumocephalus occurred. The resultant pneumocephalus was diagnosed based on neurogenic symptoms including sudden convulsion, head radiograph, and computed tomography scan. The benign course of the pneumocephalus postdiagnosis did not require secondary operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to investigate the association of SIRT1, known to inhibit apoptosis, to apoptosis of human chondrocytes. It examines the expression of SIRT1 in human chondrocytes through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistology of human cartilage samples. According to the study, SIRT1 regulates apoptosis in human chondrocytes by the modulation of mitochondria-associated apoptotic signals.

We have made three types of poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) scaffolds (porosity: scaffold I 80 +/- 0.9%, II 85 +/- 0.8%, III 92 +/- 0.7%; compression module determined with 10% strain: scaffold I 0.26 MPa, II 0.091 MPa, III 0.0047 MPa). Osteochondral defects made in the femoral condyle of rabbits were treated with these scaffolds and the possibilities of cartilage repair were investigated histologically. At post-operative weeks 6 and 12, histological scores in the groups of scaffolds II and III were significantly higher than the score in the group of scaffold I. Scaffolds II and III, which have higher porosity than scaffold I, allow better migration of bone marrow cells and better replacement of the scaffold with bone and cartilage than scaffold I. This study suggests that higher porosity allowing bone marrow cells to migrate to the scaffold is important in repairing osteochondral defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During bowling, a twenty year old man could not pull out his middle finger from the ball in release and injured his finger. X-ray revealed a palmar fracture-dislocation of the PIP joint. We manipulated the PIP joint, but a gap remained at the fracture site on the X-ray after reduction. Surgical treatment was performed with a screw. Postoperatively, the middle finger was fixed with a splint for two weeks, and then active range of motion exercises were started. One year after the operation, the fracture had healed with a congruous joint surface, and the patient had full range of motion in the middle finger with no difficulties in activities of daily living. The etiology of a palmar fracture dislocation of the PIP joint is still controversial, but we suggested the mechanism of the fracture-dislocation was caused by a shearing force to the middle phalangeal base from a dorsal direction. The main cause of the current injury was the poor fit between the middle finger and the hole of the bowling ball. Bowling is a popular and safe sport, but we should be aware of unexpected hand injuries related to bowling which may occur, especially in players at a recreational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]