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Intratracheal instillation is the introduction of a substance directly into the trachea. Intratracheal instillation has been used to investigate the lung toxicity of several chemicals and requires the suspension or dissolution of test material in a vehicle for even dispersal throughout the lung. Importantly, the toxicities of vehicles used in intratracheal instillation studies are generally considered to be insignificant. Hence, evaluating the influence of different vehicles on the lung due to intratracheal instillation is crucial. We examined the toxic effects of pure water, saline, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 0.5% Kolliphor® P188 (KP188), 0.1% Tween 20 in saline, and 1.0% BSA in PBS. These vehicles were administered to male Crl:CD(SD) rats by a single intratracheal instillation. On day 3, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from the right lung was collected and processed for cell counting and biochemical analysis, while the left lung was used for histopathological examination. Accumulation of alveolar macrophages was observed in all vehicle-treated groups but was minimal in the group administered saline, somewhat higher in the groups administered pure water, PBS, 0.1% Tween 20, and 1% BSA, and notably higher in the group administered 0.5% KP188. The results from BALF analysis indicated that intratracheal instillation of 0.5% KP188 also induced alveolar damage. Additionally, administering pure water did not appear to cause tissue damage. Eosinophil infiltration in the interstitial regions was histopathologically observed. Altogether, the results of this study are helpful for the selection of appropriate vehicles for use in intratracheal instillation studies.

Background We assessed the morphological differences in the knee joint related to knee rotation angle in patients with hip dysplasia. These results may explain the anatomy of the knee in patients with hip dysplasia and aid in planning knee surgery. Methods We enrolled 73 women (146 legs, 35.6 ± 9.0 years) with bilateral hip dysplasia and 45 healthy women (90 legs, 49.0 ± 18.9 years) without lumbago, knee symptoms, or osteoarthritic findings of the knee or spine on plain radiographs. We examined the parameters affecting knee rotation angle, such as the condylar twist angle and femoral condyle measurements with a three-dimensional bone model using the correlation coefficients of each parameter. Results The condylar twist angle and the length of the posterior part of the lateral femoral condyle were statistically positively correlated with knee rotation angle in both the normal (condylar twist angle: r = 0.286, p = 0.007, posterolateral: r = 0.429, p

The Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data (SEND), adopted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a set of regulations for digitalization and standardization of nonclinical study data; thus, related organizations have begun implementing processes in support of SEND. The Global Editorial and Steering Committee (GESC), which provides oversight of the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND), has prepared the SEND Controlled Terminology (CT) for toxicologic pathology. SEND provides electronic data standards created by the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), and CDISC also collaborates in the implementation of SEND. Furthermore, the Pharmaceutical Users Software Exchange (PhUSE), which includes members of the US FDA, has conducted various activities to promote realistic and effective methods to implement SEND. As we reported in 2015, there is a significant variation in the efficiency and quality of SEND data implementation across pharmaceutical companies and contractors (CROs) globally. To address this problem, the Global SEND Alliance (G-SEND) was established in August 2018 to facilitate the coordination and standardization of SEND datasets across CROs in Asia. This paper reports the first method for organizationally and jointly creating consistent SEND datasets between CROs using G-SEND.

Background: The natural course of scores of the Kihon Checklist, one of the promising tools used for frailty screening, is unknown. We aimed to analyze the 5-year natural course of frailty as assessed using the Kihon Checklist in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We used the data from the postal Kihon Checklist survey conducted by the municipal government between 2011 and 2016. The sample of the current study consisted of 551 older adults (265 men and 286 women) aged 65-70 years in 2011, who responded to the postal Kihon Checklist both in 2011 and in 2016. A Kihon Checklist score of 0 to 3 was considered an indicator of robustness, 4 to 7 of prefrailty, and 8 or higher of frailty. Group comparisons were performed with significance set at p

Atypical femoral fracture is a low-energy stress fracture in the subtrochanteric region or the femoral shaft and is a complication of the long-term use of bisphosphonates. Histopathological findings of atypical femoral fractures have not been clarified. Herein, we report the case of a 61-year-old woman who fell while walking, which prompted her to visit our facility. She had a 7-year history of alendronate use to treat osteoporosis. A radiograph showed an atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture, following which she underwent a primary surgery, where an intramedullary femoral nail was used. Implant breakage was discovered 8 weeks after the primary surgery. The patient underwent a revision surgery in which the entry point for the revised intramedullary hole was created to prevent varus position. The lag screw was successfully inserted into the center of the femoral head. Cancellous bone, isolated from the right ilium, was autogenously implanted into the fracture site. Fracture healing was promoted using low-intensity pulse ultrasonography. Callus formation was detected on a radiograph, and full weight-bearing was advised 12 weeks after the revision surgery. The fracture had healed completely at 13 months after the revision surgery. The patient was able to walk without support and could independently perform activities of daily life. Laboratory findings suggested that the concentrations of her bone formation markers were normal, while those of bone resorption markers were elevated. Iliac bone histomorphometry did not reveal severely suppressed bone turnover. In the cortex of fracture site, the lacunar density was markedly lower than the osteocyte density, and microcracks were detected, suggesting impaired osteocyte function and a low potential for fracture healing. This case is notable because it helps to clarify the histopathological findings of atypical femoral fractures.

Background: Many models of fracture liaison services (FLS) following hip fracture have been introduced in the United Kingdom and Japan, resulting in a reduction in medical complications and secondary fractures. This study investigated improvements in time to surgery, daily activity, and the rate of medical complications and secondary hip fractures following the introduction of FLS.Methods: Patients who were over 50 years old and experienced fragility hip fractures, including femoral neck and trochanteric fractures, between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017, were enrolled in the study. We divided patients into a control group without FLS (94 patients; mean age: 83.8 years; 21 men and 73 women) and an FLS group (373 patients; mean age: 83.3 years; 69 men and 304 women).Results: The time from injury to surgery decreased significantly from 2.42 days to 1.83 days following the introduction of FLS (p = 0.003). The proportion of patients who were able to undergo surgery within 36 hours of injury also increased significantly in the FLS group (p = 0.014). In the FLS group, a significant decrease was observed in the total number of cases with complications, including cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and cerebrovascular disease, after admission (p = 0.009, 0.010, 0.043, respectively). Significantly more patients with a Barthel index (BI) of ≥80 were observed in the FLS group at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months following injury (p = 0.046, 0.018, and 0.048, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that BI at the time of injury, surgery within 36 hours of injury, and postoperative complications were associated with death within 12 or 24 months after the injury.Conclusions: Our results indicate that FLS contributed to earlier recovery and rehabilitation following surgery, and accelerated rehabilitation of medical complications following admission. Our FLS is expected to improve patient activity and decrease secondary hip fracture in patients who have undergone hip surgery. Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000041206. Registered 24th July 2020, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-in/ctr/ctr_view_reg.cgi?recptno=R000047054

Background The anatomical sacral slope is considered as an anatomical pelvic parameter independent of femoral head centers for measurement of anatomical sacral slope and was previously described to strongly correlate with pelvic incidence on a two-dimensional examination of healthy subjects. However, the correlation between anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence was unclear in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. This study aimed to examine the correlation between anatomical sacral slope and other spinopelvic parameters by analyzing plain radiographs of female patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Methods Eighty-four women with developmental dysplasia of the hip were examined. Lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and anatomical sacral slope (the angle formed by the straight line of the S1 superior endplate and a line at a right angle to the anterior pelvic plane) were determined by analyzing plain radiographs. The correlations were examined by Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and intra- and inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficients were evaluated for reliability. Results A strong correlation was observed between pelvic incidence and anatomical sacral slope (r = 0.725, p < 0.001). In addition, the correlation between anatomical sacral slope and lumbar lordosis was similar to that between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis (r = 0.661, p < 0.001, and r = 0.554, p < 0.001, respectively). The intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.869 and 0.824 for anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence, respectively. Furthermore, the inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.83 and 0.685 for anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence, respectively. Conclusions We observed that the strong correlation between anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip was equal to that in normal healthy subjects. The correlation between anatomical sacral slope and lumbar lordosis was equal to that between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient values for the anatomical sacral slope were slightly higher than those for pelvic incidence. Thus, we conclude that anatomical sacral slope can be considered as a helpful anatomical pelvic parameter that is a substitute for pelvic incidence not only in normal healthy subjects, but also in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Background It has been previously reported that manual calf massage and passive ankle motion after total hip arthroplasty could reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism. However, a combination of chemical and mechanical prophylaxes was employed. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of mechanical prevention without pharmacological antithrombotic intervention. Methods Of the 313 patients who underwent unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty and received passive ankle motion and calf massage postoperatively at our hospital between January 2015 and December 2019, 261 (58 men, 203 women; mean age 62.1 years) were included in this retrospective study. Pharmacological anticoagulation therapy was administered in 176 patients (combination group); 137 patients only underwent calf massage and passive ankle motion without anticoagulation therapy (single group). The study outcomes were operation time, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, intraoperative bleeding, estimated actual blood loss, blood transfusion, and major bleeding. Results No significant differences were found in sex, age, side, platelet counts, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, prothrombin time - International Normalized Ratio, intraoperative blood loss, estimated blood loss, and operation time. Moreover, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and intraoperative bleeding was not significantly different between the groups (deep vein thrombosis 4.0% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.244; pulmonary thromboembolism 0.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.548; and intraoperative bleeding 394 ± 173.6 ml vs. 365.4 ± 168.5 ml, p = 0.550). However, estimated actual blood loss and postoperative bleeding differed between the groups (eABL 996.6 ± 348.3 ml vs. 858.5 ± 269.6 ml, p = 0.003; postoperative bleeding 601.8 ± 330.0 ml vs. 492.1 ± 277.1 ml, p = 0.016), and both increased in the combination group. No major bleeding was noted in the two groups. Conclusion Postoperative anticoagulant therapy does not have to be routinely used if mechanical prophylaxis is performed in patients without deep vein thrombosis before total hip arthroplasty.

To evaluate the relationship between the volume, cross-sectional area, and peak isometric muscle strength of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles in patients with hip osteoarthritis, and to use this information to identify effective sites for measurement of the cross-sectional area of these muscles. Twenty-four patients with hip osteoarthritis were included. The muscle cross-sectional area and volume were calculated from magnetic resonance images. The cross-sectional area was calculated at three levels: the inferior point of the sacroiliac joint, just above the femoral head, and at the greatest muscle diameter. Peak isometric strength was assessed using hand-held dynamometry, using the extension and external rotation for the gluteus maximus and abduction and internal rotation for the gluteus medius. Measured outcomes were compared between the two muscles, and the association between muscle volume, cross-sectional area, and peak isometric muscle strength was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation. Volume was correlated with the cross-sectional area in the gluteus maximus (r ≥ 0.707) and with the cross-sectional area (r ≥ 0.637) and peak isometric strength (r ≥ 0.477) in the gluteus medius. There was no difference between the cross-sectional area measured at the greatest muscle diameter and just above the femoral head (p = 0.503) for the gluteus maximus and at the inferior point of the sacroiliac joint (p = 0.651) for the gluteus medius. The cross-sectional area, when used to calculate the muscle volume, should be evaluated just above the femoral head for the gluteus maximus and at the inferior point of the sacroiliac joint for the gluteus medius.

Introduction: A major challenge in anthropology is the estimation of human stature based on human bones since the stature of cadavers is slightly different from that of living humans. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of estimating living stature in Japanese subjects based on sacral and coccygeal lengths as measured on three-dimensional (3D) models of the femur and pelvis reconstructed from cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) images. Subjects and methods: For this cross-sectional study, 106 healthy Japanese subjects (54 men and 52 women) were recruited. We measured the distances from the anterosuperior iliac spine (ASIS) to the most posterior point of the ischial spine (IS) (ASIS-IS), and from the ASIS to the most inferior point of the ischial tuberosity (IT) (ASIS-IT) on 3D bone models reconstructed from multi-slice CT images. Correlations of living stature with ASIS-IS and/or ASIS-IT on the left and right sides of the pelvis were evaluated. Multiple regression equations were derived and used as formulas for living stature estimation. Results: In men, living stature had strong correlations with ASIS-IS + ASIS-IT on both the left and right sides; Pearson's correlation coefficients were 0.717 and 0.706, respectively. In contrast, in women, living stature showed stronger correlations with all of the studied parameters; Pearson's correlation coefficients were highest for ASIS-IS + ASIS-IT on both the left and right sides (r = 0.753 and 0.744, respectively) compared with those in men. Formulas based on ASIS-IS + ASIS-IT provided the best estimation in both men and women, while ASIS-IS alone demonstrated a better estimation than ASIS-IT on both the left and right sides. Conclusions: This study revealed that ASIS-IS and ASIS-IT measured from CT images were reliable predictors of living stature in the Japanese population. Our estimation formulas were derived from measurements of living stature that were not affected by the physiological changes observed in cadavers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to derive estimation formulas based on living stature. Our method may be useful in the identification of disaster victims, wherein long bones are usually not found intact but pelvic bones are. Furthermore, the findings could be relevant to the field of anthropology for estimating living stature.

To verify the relationship between muscle volume and muscular strength of different cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the gluteus maximus and medius, and to clarify the effective evaluation index. Twenty healthy adults were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Magnetic resonance images were evaluated, and CSAs of the gluteus maximus and medius were calculated. Calculation sites were the peak CSA, lowest end of the sacroiliac joint CSA, and just above the femoral head CSA. Muscle volume and muscular strength were measured. The correlation between muscular CSA, muscle volume, and muscular strength was verified using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p

Background The purpose of this study is to measure pelvic morphology with respect to the pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope using 3-dimensional measurement and to compare the pelvic morphology between the normal population and women with developmental dysplasia of the hip (center-edge angle, Methods We evaluated 61 healthy women without low back or knee pain and 71 patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. We used the 3-dimensional pelvis model adjusted to the anterior pelvic plane and measured the pelvic parameters. To determine correlation, we used Pearson's coefficients. To evaluate variation, we used intraclass correlation coefficients. Results Pelvic incidence and anatomical pelvic tilt were significantly greater by 4° in the group with developmental dysplasia of the hip than in the normal group (p = 0.026 and 0.88. Conclusion Pelvic incidence and anatomical-pelvic tilt were significantly greater in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. We found a strong correlation between the pelvic incidence and anatomical sacral slope in both groups. Therefore, anatomical-sacral slope may be useful for estimating pelvic incidence because it is not easily measured, especially in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip joint.

The aim of this study was to survey the incidence of osteoporotic fragility fractures, which include vertebral, hip, distal radius, and proximal humerus fractures, in patients ≥ 50 years of age, from 2004 to 2015, in Sado City, Japan. We examined temporal changes in the incidence of these fractures from 2010 through 2015. The incidence of vertebral (p

Highlights • Unlike type 2, type 1 hallux interphalangeal joint dislocation is easy to miss. • Excision of the sesamoid bone is unnecessary. • External fixation for 3 weeks or K-wire fixation for 4 weeks is sufficient., Introduction The common treatment for hallux interphalangeal joint dislocation is closed reduction, but some cannot be reduced by interposition of the sesamoid or the plantar plate in the interphalangeal joint, and such cases need open reduction. Presentation of case In case 1, the patient was a 17-year-old boy who was injured when a motorcycle fell on his right hallux. X-ray revealed Miki type 2 IP joint dislocation. Because closed reduction failed, open reduction via the dorsal approach to the hallux IP joint was performed. In case 2, the patient was a 17-year-old boy who was hit by a car whilst walking. X-ray revealed Miki type 2 dorsal dislocation of the hallux IP joint. After closed reduction, X-ray and CT revealed that the IP joint dislocation changed from Miki type 2 to type 1. Open reduction was performed through the dorsal approach. Discussion Fifteen cases of Miki type 2 changed to type 1 after closed reduction, and type 1 dislocation is often overlooked, leading to some chronic cases. X-rays should be performed after repositioning, specifically in lateral and oblique views. Conclusion We experienced two cases of irreducible dislocation of the hallux IP joint. One of our cases was reclassified from Miki type 2 to type 1, but we did not overlook the failed closed reduction, as we performed CT. Hence, we recommend additional lateral-view X-rays and/or CT imaging.

Short-term alternatives to traditional 2-year carcinogenic studies in rodents are being actively pursued. Recently, a 26-week short-term carcinogenicity study using CB6F1-Tg rasH2@Jcl (rasH2) mice has become a worldwide standard for the evaluation of chemical carcinogenesis. However, an acceptable short-term carcinogenic study model for dermally applied products is still lacking. To investigate the suitability of using the rasH2 mouse to test carcinogenic potential, 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) was dermally applied to rasH2 mice: 1,2-DCE is a known carcinogen that causes lung bronchiolo-alveolar adenomas and adenocarcinomas when administered topically, orally, or by inhalation exposure; 1,2-DCE at a dose level of 126 mg/mouse in 200 μl acetone or acetone alone (vehicle control) was applied to the dorsal skin of 10 mice of each sex 3 times a week for 26 weeks. As a positive control, 10 mice of each sex received a single intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg of N-methyl- N-nitrosourea. Bronchiolo-alveolar adenomas and adenocarcinomas were significantly increased in 1,2-DCE-treated rasH2 mice of both sexes, and bronchiolo-alveolar hyperplasias were significantly increased in female mice. Overall, almost all mice of each sex developed adenomas and/or adenocarcinomas with 100% of female rasH2 mice developing bronchiolo-alveolar adenocarcinomas.

Highlights • An isolated fracture through the radial bicipital tuberosity is rare. • The posterior approach has lower complication and is suitable for this fracture. • IM nailing is not recommended in fractures through the radial bicipital tuberosity., Introduction Generally, anatomical reduction of shaft fractures through operative treatment is necessary to restore the anatomical relationship of the forearm bones. However, a number of nerves and vessels are located in the proximal radius, which complicates surgery. In this study, we aimed to reduce postoperative complications by using a posterior approach. Presentation of case We describe an isolated fracture through the radial bicipital tuberosity in a 69-year-old man caused by direct blunt force and our management of the fracture. The patient underwent an operation for the fracture under brachial plexus block. The injury was explored using the posterior approach, and plate fixation was performed after confirming the absence of obstacles to rotation on pronation and supination. One year later, the patient did not have any difficulties in activities of daily living. Discussion Since an isolated fracture through the radial bicipital tuberosity is more distal than the radial head and neck and more proximal than a common radius diaphysis fracture, we had to consider a different operative approach. The nerve and blood vessels of the forearm, such as the radial nerve and artery, run in a complicated fashion around the proximal radius; thus, we chose the posterior approach because of its simpler surgical technique and lower complication risk, compared with the anterior approach. Conclusion Surgeons can obtain a favorable treatment result using the posterior approach to the fracture and reduce complications by ensuring with rigid fixation using a locking plate.

BackgroundIt was previously reported that pelvises with developmental dysplasia of the hip are tilted anteriorly, which increases bony coverage of the femoral head. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between anatomical parameters of the pelvis such as pelvic incidence and anatomical pelvic tilt and functional parameters of the spine and pelvis such as tilt of the anterior pelvic plane.MethodsWe examined 84 female patients with bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip who had undergone curved periacetabular osteotomy at author’s institution. Radiographs of the thoracic to lumbar spines and the pelvis were obtained in the standing position to measure spino-pelvic parameters before surgery. Morphological parameters of the acetabulum such as the anterior center-edge (CE) angle, posterior CE angle, lateral CE angle, and acetabular anteversion were measured using a preoperative three-dimensional pelvic model reconstructed from computed tomography images. Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship of these parameters.ResultsWith regard to correlations between pelvic incidence (PI) and other parameters, the sacral slope (SS) value (r = 0.666) was the highest among functional parameters and the anatomical-SS value (r = 0.789) was the highest among morphological parameters. There were moderate correlations of the anterior pelvic plane angle (APPA) with pelvic tilt (PT) (r = − 0.594) and anatomical-PT (r = 0.646). With regard to correlations between spino-pelvic parameters and bony morphological parameters of the acetabulum, there was a moderate correlation between anatomical-PT and acetabular anteversion (AA) (r = 0.424). There were moderate correlations of APPA with the anterior CE angle (r = − 0.478), posterior CE angle (r = 0.432), and AA (r = 0.565). APPA had a stronger correlation with anatomical-PT (r = 0.646) than with AA.ConclusionsThe tilt of the pelvis may be more dependent on anatomical-PT, a morphological parameter of the pelvis, than the lateral CE angle, anterior CE angle, posterior CE angle, and acetabular anteversion on bony coverage of the acetabulum. This study is the first to investigate the correlation between functional parameters of the pelvis and spine and morphological parameters of the pelvis and acetabulum besides PI.

Background Sagittal spinal balance and standing posture are affected by pelvic morphology, especially pelvic incidence (PI). However, it is not difficult to identify the hip center because of overlap of the pelvis, image contrast, and soft tissue artifacts. Measurements of PI are not always suitable in all patients, especially those with osteoarthritis of the hip joint whose femoral head is nonspherical, subluxed, or dislocated. We measured PI, pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) as anatomical parameters using a novel three-dimensional measurement in order to compare the pelvic morphology between normal, healthy men and women. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 108 Japanese subjects (55 men, 53 women) without low back or knee pain. We used the three-dimensional pelvis model adjusted to the anterior pelvic plane and measured the pelvic parameters. The subjects were stratified by age ( 0.87. Conclusions We found a strong correlation between PI and anatomical-SS in men and women. This novel measurement concept may be useful to estimate PI from anatomical-SS because the measurements of PI are not always suitable in all patients, especially those with osteoarthritis of the hip joint whose femoral head is not spherical or whose femoral head is subluxed or dislocated. This is the first report to describe the relationship between PI, anatomical-PT, and anatomical-SS as morphologic parameters with a high interclass correlation coefficient for intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities.

Although the likelihood of exposure to leaking intermediate frequency magnetic fields (MFs) from electronic devices, such as induction-heating and wireless power transfer systems, has increased, biological data assessing the health risks associated with human exposure remain insufficient. We examined the carcinogenicity of a 20 kHz MF, a typical frequency produced by induction-heating cookers, using a transgenic rasH2 mouse model. Twenty-five male and female CByB6F1-Tg(HRAS)2Jic mice were exposed to a 0.20 mT, 20 kHz MF (22 h/day) or sham-exposed for 26 weeks. As a positive control, 10 male and female rasH2 mice from the same batch were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea. A blinded histopathological evaluation was performed, and the same experiments were conducted twice, independently, to confirm the reproducibility of the results. Histopathological examination revealed that spontaneous neoplastic lesions, such as splenic hemangiosarcomas and gastric squamous cell papillomas, were less (1-3 per group) in the MF- and sham-exposed groups. The frequency of the neoplastic lesions was not significantly different between the groups. Eight to ten mice in each positive-control group exhibited malignant lymphoma. The outcomes were consistent between duplicated experiments, which indicates lack of carcinogenicity of 20 kHz MF in the rasH2 mouse model. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2019 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In obese patients, malpositioning of the acetabular cup increases the risk of dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity affects the accuracy of acetabular cup positioning using a computed tomography (CT)-based navigation system.We retrospectively evaluated 226 consecutive patients who underwent cementless primary THAs assisted by the CT-based hip navigation system. We divided the patients into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) and examined the difference between preoperative planning and postoperative implantation angles from CT data.There was no significant correlation between BMI and both inclination and anteversion differences (R = 0.028 and R = 0.045, respectively). There were no significant differences among the BMI 25, 25 ≦ BMI 30, and BMI ≧ 30 groups (p value: 0.725, 0.934, respectively); between the BMI 25 and BMI ≧ 25 groups (p value: 0.542, 0.697, respectively); and between the BMI 30 and BMI ≧ 30 groups with regard to inclination and anteversion (p value: 0.859, 0.456, respectively). Moreover, similar findings were observed with regard to the distance between the preoperative planning and postoperative cup positioning for the transverse, anteroposterior, and craniocaudal axes of the pelvis.We found that the accuracy of acetabular cup placement using CT based-navigation in THA was not affected in obese patients. Therefore, THAs with a CT-based navigation system are considered useful in obese patients.

Background The kidney is a major target organ for systemic amyloidosis, which results in proteinuria and an elevated serum creatinine level. The clinical manifestations and precursor proteins of amyloid A (AA) and light-chain (AL) amyloidosis are different, and the renal damage due to amyloid deposition also seems to differ. Objectives The purpose of this study was to clarify haw the difference in clinical features between AA and AL amyloidosis are explained by the difference in the amount and distribution of amyloid deposition in the renal tissues. Methods A total of 119 patients participated: 58 patients with an established diagnosis of AA amyloidosis (AA group) and 61 with AL amyloidosis (AL group). We retrospectively investigated the correlation between clinical data, pathological manifestations, and the area occupied by amyloid in renal biopsy specimens. In most of the renal specimens the percentage area occupied by amyloid was less than 10%. For statistical analyses, the percentage area of amyloid deposition was transformed to a common logarithmic value (Log10%amyloid). Results The results of sex-, age-, and Log10%amyloid-adjusted analyses showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) was higher in the AA group. In terms of renal function parameters, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance (Ccr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) indicated significant renal impairment in the AA group, whereas urinary protein indicated significant renal impairment in the AL group. Pathological examinations revealed amyloid was predominantly deposited at glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and easily transferred to the mesangial area in the AA group, and it was predominantly deposited at in the AL group. The degree of amyloid deposition in the glomerular capillary was significantly more severe in AL group. The frequency of amyloid deposits in extraglomerular mesangium was not significantly different between the two groups, but in AA group, the degree amyloid deposition was significantly more severe, and the deposition pattern in the glomerulus was nodular. Nodular deposition in extraglomerular mesangium leads to renal impairment in AA group. There are significant differences between AA and AL amyloidosis with regard to the renal function, especially in terms of Ccr, eGFR and urinary protein, even after Log10%amyloid was adjusted; showing that these inter-group differences in renal function would not be depend on the amount of renal amyloid deposits. Conclusions These differences could be explained by the difference in distribution and morphological pattern of amyloid deposition in the renal tissue. References [1] Kuroda T, et al. Significant association between renal function and area of amyloid deposition in kidney biopsy specimens in reactive amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2012;32:3155–3162. [2] Kuroda T, et al. Significant association between renal function and area of amyloid deposition in kidney biopsy specimens in both AA amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis and AL amyloidosis. Amyloid2017:14:1–8. Acknowledgements This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 17 K09973. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background We previously described that the anteroposterior (AP) axis of the tibia is approximately perpendicular to the transverse axis of the anterior pelvic plane (APP) in the standing position in healthy subjects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rotational alignment between the APP and clinical epicondylar axis and the AP axis of the tibia relative to pelvic coordination in the standing position in normal subjects and in women with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) to aid decision making for surgeons in the alignment of implants in total hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods This study included 77 Japanese women. Twenty-nine in the DDH group underwent curved periacetabular osteotomy; 48 women without lumbago and knee pain were included in the normal group. Femoral neck anteversion (FNA), condylar twist angle, and knee rotation angle were measured in femoral coordination. The angle between the femoral neck axis and clinical epicondylar axis (CEA) was measured, the transverse axis of the APP was also measured, and the angle between the AP axis of the tibia and transverse axis of the APP was calculated. Results There was a moderate negative correlation between FNA and CEA relative to the APP. This finding indicated a trend towards greater FNA leading to more internal rotation. Knee rotation angle (KRA) relative to the APP was 1.65° ± 5.58° in the normal group and − 2.65° ± 7.57° in the DDH group. This finding indicated that the tibia AP axis was approximately perpendicular to the APP in the standing position both in the normal and DDH groups. Conclusion We found that the tibia AP axis was at approximately a right angle to the transverse axis of the APP in the standing position in both the normal and DDH groups, while the KRA was different in the normal and DDH groups. These findings may prove helpful for positional alignment investigations needed for implantation in total hip or knee arthroplasty and gait analysis.

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are defined as atraumatic or low-trauma fractures located in the subtrochanteric or diaphyseal sites. Long-term bisphosphonates (BPs) are administered to prevent fragility fractures in patients with primary osteoporosis or collagen diseases who are already taking glucocorticoids (GCs). Long-term BP use is one of the most important risk factors for AFFs. Its pathogenesis is characterized by severely suppressed bone turnover (SSBT), but whether the characteristics of patients are different regarding to location of fracture site remains unknown. In this study, we compared the characteristics and bone histomorphometric findings between subtrochanteric and diaphyseal sites in patients with BP-associated AFFs. Nine women with BP-associated AFFs were recruited, including 3 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 with rheumatoid arthritis, 2 with primary osteoporosis, 1 with polymyalgia rheumatica, and 1 with sarcoidosis. Patients were divided into the subtrochanteric group (n = 5; average age, 52 years; BP treatment, 5.9 years) and the diaphyseal group (n = 4; average age, 77 years; BP treatment, 2.6 years). Compared with the diaphyseal group, the subtrochanteric group had significantly higher daily GC doses (average, 10.9 vs. 2.3 mg/day) and significantly lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels (17.8 vs. 25.6 ng/mL). Bone histomorphometry of the biopsied iliac bone showed SSBT in 3 cases (subtrochanteric, n = 1; diaphyseal, n = 2). Osteoid volume and trabecular thickness were significantly lower in the subtrochanteric group than in the diaphyseal group. Bone formation was inhibited more severely in subtrochanteric than in the diaphyseal group due to the higher GC doses used.

Background We previously reported that the clinical epicondylar axis (CEA) was approximately parallel to the transverse axis of the anterior pelvic plane (APP) in the standing position in normal subjects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rotational alignment between APP in the standing position and the anteroposterior (AP) axis of the tibia relative to pelvic coordination in normal subjects. Methods This study included 68 healthy Japanese, 24 males and 44 females, without lumbago and knee pain. Femoral neck anteversion (FNA), condylar twist angle, and knee rotation angle were measured in femoral coordination. The angle between the femoral neck axis and CEA transverse axis of APP was also measured, and the angle between the AP axis of the tibia and the transverse axis of APP was calculated. The mean value of knee rotation angle was 0.23° and 2.06° in male and female subjects, respectively. Results There was a moderate positive correlation between FNA and the femoral axis angle relative to the transverse axis of APP. The knee rotation angle relative to APP was 0.33° and 1.56° in male and female subjects, respectively, and the tibia AP axis was approximately perpendicular to the transverse axis of APP in the standing position. Regarding validation, we obtained high interclass correlation coefficients for both intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Conclusion We found that the knee rotation angle was almost 0° and that the tibia AP axis was approximately perpendicular to the CEA. The tibia AP axis was also approximately perpendicular to the transverse axis of the APP in standing position.

Due to the increasing elderly population, the prevalence of osteoporotic hip fractures in Japanese patients continues to rise. It is well established that patients with either hip fracture or both symptomatic and asymptomatic morphometric vertebral compression fracture (VCF) have a poor health prognosis compared with the general population. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate vertebral fracture rates among patients with hip fracture and their influence on mortality. We examined 182 cases of osteoporotic hip fracture in patients admitted to our institution between January 2009 and May 2011. The average age at the time of fracture was 85 years. Radiographs of the lumbar spine were obtained from all of the participants and the lateral spinal radiographs were examined for evidence of VCF. The patients were classified into two groups, those with VCF and those without. A VCF was identified in approximately 78 % of the patients. The mortality rate 1 year after the hip fracture was approximately 22 % and it was significantly higher in patients with VCF. Through multivariate statistics we found that VCF, post-operative complication, loss of ambulation after operation and medication for osteoporosis were statistically significant. In other words, VCF, post-operative complication and loss of ambulation were considered to be poor prognostic factors and medication for osteoporosis was likely to improve the prognosis. We concluded that the risk of mortality after hip fracture is significantly greater in patients who also have VCF compared to patients without VCF, and that medication for osteoporosis is likely to improve prognosis.

Background: Malpositioning during total hip arthroplasty may cause dislocation, pain, and other complications. To evaluate the potential of sacral slope (SS) as a reliable parameter of pelvic flexion. Methods: We developed a model of pelvic flexion to determine the intraobserver and interobserver variability and reliability of SS measurements by lateral radiography by three independent observers. Results: Measurement error was 1.2 and the intraobserver reliability was moderate to substantial (Interclass correlation coefficient: 0.31 to 0.66). Based on the Spearman-Brown formula, the measurement is reliable if it is done at least seven times by two observers, and four times by three observers. Conclusions: The data suggest that measurement of SS of pelvic flexion is a clinically useful parameter for the optimization of THA conditions.

Surface texturing effects on the friction characteristics under hydrodynamic and mixed lubrication conditions are investigated experimentally and theoretically. The experiments are conducted by using a ring-on-plate type test rig, where a ring with a flat ring end is rotated against the plate with the engraved texture patterns of longitudinal, transverse and herringbone grooves and of square dimples. It is found that the friction characteristics significantly depend on the texture patterns even though the depth and the groove area ratio are identical in all the texture patterns; among them, the herringbone grooves show the lowest friction coefficients under any lubricating conditions. On the one hand, it is found that the longitudinal grooves and the square dimples effectively reduce the friction; on the other hand, the transverse grooves hardly reduce the friction. The experiments are compared with the calculations and it is found that higher pressure is generated with the herringbone grooves than other patterns, which avoids solid contact and results in friction reduction.

In this study, we have investigated the rotation of the pre-operative and post-operative femur, and stem anteversion to prevent impingement and dislocation. We studied 126 patients who had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of osteoarthritis. We compared preoperative tilt of anterior pelvic plane (APP), posterior condylar axis of the femur (PCA) relative to APP (APP-PCA) with those of postoperative ones in supine position. There was a moderate correlation between the preand post-operative APP-PCA values (r = 0.71). The postoperative APP-PCA decreased by approximately 6°. However, there was poor correlation between the stem anteversion and the postoperative APP-PCA (r = －0.27). A greater reduction in APP-PCA was observed among patients who exhibited greater external rotation of femur compared to those who showed less external rotation in supine position before THA. We also observed that the post-operative rotation of the femur was dependent on the pre-operative rotation of the femur while it was independent of the stem anteversion.

The effects of ethyl tertiary-butyl ether (ETBE) on two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis in male F344 rats initiated with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) were investigated at various dose levels with regard to possible promoting activity. Groups of 30 rats were given drinking water containing 500 ppm BBN, as an initiator, for 4 weeks and starting one week thereafter received ETBE by gavage (daily, 7 days/week) at dose levels of 0 (control), 100, 300, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day until experimental week 36. No statistically significant differences in incidences of preneoplastic lesions, papillomas, and carcinomas of the urinary bladder were evident in rats treated with 100-1000 mg/kg/day ETBE as compared with control values. Furthermore, the average numbers of preneoplastic or neoplastic lesions per unit length of basement membrane in rats given 100-1000 mg/kg/day ETBE were also comparable to control values. However, papillomatosis of the urinary bladder was found in 4 out of 30 rats (13%) in the group given 1000 mg/kg/day ETBE, and soft stones in the urinary bladder were found in 3 out of these 4 rats. The results thus demonstrated that ETBE did not exert promotional activity on urinary bladder carcinogenesis. However, papillomatosis of the urinary bladder developed in small numbers of the rats given ETBE at 1000 mg/kg/day but not in rats given 500 mg/kg/day or lower doses.

Background: Several researchers consider the clinical epicondylar axis (CEA) as the functional flexion-extension axis of the knee. The anterior pelvic plane (APP) is commonly used as an anatomical reference plane of the pelvis. However, no study has investigated the relationship of the APP with the CEA and PCA. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of the APP with the CEA and posterior condylar axis (PCA) in the standing and supine positions. Methods: We recruited 77 healthy Japanese subjects for this study, and carried out measurements using the Hip CAS?system, a 3D system used for the assessment of lower extremity alignment. Results: The mean femoral neck anteversion was 16.33°. There was an approximate discrepancy of 6° between the male and the female in anatomy (15.73° and 21.15° in the male and female subjects, respectively). The mean condylar twist angle (CTA) was 6.86° and the mean APP-PCA value in the standing position was ﹣6.88°. The mean APP-CEA value in the standing position was 0.02°, and the discrepancy between males and females was only 0.21° (0.09° and ﹣0.13° for the male and female subjects, respectively). This meant that Xp axis of APP and CEA were almost parallel. On the other hand, the mean APP-CEA value in the supine position was 7.07° (male subjects = 9.48°; female subjects = 5.62°). Here, the CEA was approximately parallel to the horizontal axis of the APP, which was compatible with the neutral position of the knee and hip joint, and anatomically and kinesiologically justified in normal subjects. Conclusion: CEA was approximately parallel to the horizontal axis of the APP. These results are compatible with regard to the neutral position of the knee and hip joints, and anatomically and kinesiologically justified in normal subjects. Moreover, CEA is a potential reference axis for the insertion of the femoral component in THA.

Background: Postoperative pubic or ischial stress fracture may be a complication after curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO). The discontinuity of the superior pubic rami is a risk factor for this complication. We investigated the stress field differences in standing and sitting positions after CPO. Methods: We used finite element analysis to assess the effects of inferior pubic rami and ischial fractures with or without discontinuity of superior pubic rami. We used the “union model”, obtained from a bony union at the osteotomy site of the superior pubic rami from 38-year-old woman who had undergone CPO for left hip dysplasia. We deleted the bony union region and created a discontinuity in the superior pubic rami equal to the non-union, creating the “discontinuity model”. We compared the stress field and stress value in the simulated standing and half weight-bearing positions on the operative side, one-legged standing position on the non-operative side, and the sitting position. Findings: In 4 cases, the inferior rami experienced the highest stress. Stress values in the discontinuity model were higher than those in the union model: 1.7 times in the case of one-legged standing on the operative side, 2.4 times in the case of half weight-bearing on the operative side, 3.8 times in the case of one-legged standing on the non-operative side, and 2.0 times in the sitting position, respectively. Interpretation: We recommend patients delay weight bearing on the operative side, avoid the sitting position as long as possible, and sit down slowly to prevent inferior pubic rami and ischial fractures after CPO.

Background Venous thromboembolism is one of the general complications following total hip arthroplasty, wherein various preventive treatments have been recommended. Several studies reported that venous thromboembolism incidence after total hip arthroplasty was similar in patients who were administered prophylaxis with a conventional mechanical procedure alone, and those who were administered pharmacological anticoagulation therapy. Therefore, the optimum methods of prophylaxis are still controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether manual calf massage and passive ankle motion could lower the risk for venous thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 126 consecutive patients undergoing elective primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty wherein manual calf massage and passive ankle motion were performed after the surgery at our hospitals between January and October 2014. The 138 patients of the control group underwent total hip arthroplasty using the same surgical approach and pre- and postoperative protocols without this mechanical prophylaxis between January and December 2013. This mechanical prophylaxis was performed simultaneously 30 times during approximately 10 s; these procedures were repeated thrice immediately after total hip arthroplasty. Duplex ultrasonography was performed to observe the veins of both legs in all the patients on postoperative day 7. Results The incidence of deep vein thrombosis was 6.52% and 0.79% in the control and manual calf massage and passive ankle motion groups, respectively. The odds ratio for the manual calf massage and passive ankle motion groups was 8.72. Performing this mechanical prophylaxis reduced the incidence of venous thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty. This mechanical prophylaxis is not only simple and easy, but is also safe and inexpensive. Conclusions We therefore recommend that manual calf massage and passive ankle motion be performed in patients who will undergo total hip arthroplasty, if deep vein thrombosis does not exist before the surgery.

We aimed to clarify sex- and age-specific differences in three-dimensional and anatomic characteristics of femoral head coverage and acetabular morphology in healthy subjects. The study included 120 healthy subjects (57 male, 63 female), stratified into groups according to age and sex. We used computed tomography data to measure various anatomic alignment parameters describing femoral head coverage and acetabular morphology. The lateral sector angle in the coronal plane, anterior sector angle in the sagittal plane, and posterior sector angles in the axial plane, which characterize femoral head coverage, did not differ significantly between males and females. However, the Sharp angle in the coronal plane and acetabular anteversion in both the sagittal and axial planes were significantly larger in females than in males. Overall, the age-specific trends were similar between male and female subjects. Specifically, for both males and females, the values for parameters of femoral head coverage were significantly lower in younger subjects (

We investigated the incidence of hip fracture in patients aged ≥50 years in 2015 in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. We also determined the long-term trend in hip fracture incidence from 1985 to 2015. In 2015, 3214 hip fractures occurred in Niigata Prefecture. The crude incidence rate of hip fracture was 282.7 per 100,000 persons per year (122.9 in men and 416.4 in women). The incidence of hip fracture decreased from 2010 to 2015 in all age groups except in men aged 65–69 years and women aged 60–64 years. The percentage of patients who took anti-osteoporotic medication before their hip fractures increased from 10.2% in 2010 to 14.9% in 2015. The age-specific incidence in women tended to increase until 2010, but significantly decreased from 2010 to 2015 (p

Plasma D-dimer level is clinically useful for diagnosing patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, the cut-off value for the D-dimer level remains controversial and undetermined with regard to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objective of this study was to estimate the efficacy of an age- and D-dimer-based index for diagnosing DVTs in asymptomatic cases before THA. We enrolled 224 patients with no symptoms associated with DVT before THA. All the patients underwent ultrasonography, and the plasma D-dimer level was recorded about 1 month preoperatively. The optimal cut-off value was calculated using multiple logistic regression and receiver operating curve analyses. DVTs were detected in 13 patients (5.8%) using ultrasonography. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.13; p = 0.007) and D-dimer value (OR: 1.74; p = 0.003) were related to the existence of preoperative DVT. A DVT index (0.12 × age + 0.45 × the D-dimer value) of 8.15 was the most reasonable cut-off value according to the receiver operating curve analysis. This value caused 100% sensitivity and 70.1% specificity, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.905 (range, 0.836–0.975). For age and D-dimer value, the AUCs were 0.828 (0.749–0.907) and 0.716 (0.522–0.910), respectively. This study demonstrated that age and D-dimer index can be useful in screening patients for DVTs before THA. This DVT index is also easy to calculate and may be clinically significant.

Background While navigation systems have been developed to increase implantation accuracy in total hip arthroplasty (THA), they are not yet sufficiently versatile or commonly used. Therefore, to elevate the appeal of such systems, we have developed HipCOMPASS, a simple and effective mechanical angle indicator for use in supine THA. Questions/purposes How accurate is the mean cup orientation [in terms of errors in radiographic anteversion (RA) and inclination (RI)] in cases where HipCOMPASS is used for intraoperative support? Does HipCOMPASS increase this cup orientation accuracy compared to THA cases without it? Does HipCOMPASS increase mean operation time? Methods We measured cup orientation in 97 THA cases with HipCOMPASS and in 80 cases without it. Then we compared the angles determined in preoperative planning with the angles revealed by postoperative computed tomography (CT) for both groups. The discrepancy between them was defined as an error. Errors greater than 10° were considered outliers. Additionally, mean operative time with and without the Hip COMPASS were compared. Results With the use of HipCOMPASS, the mean absolute error values in radiographic anteversion and inclination were 2.9° ± 2.3° (range 0°–12.8°) and 2.9° ± 2.1° (0.1°–7.7°), respectively. In contrast, without the use of HipCOMPASS, radiographic anteversion and inclination error values were 8.8° ± 5.8° (0.1°–25.4°) and 6.1° ± 4.5° (0.2°–21.0°), respectively. Outlier occurrence rates were 1.0 % with HipCOMPASS and 48.8 % without it. Mean operative times with and without HipCOMPASS use were 109.2 ± 23.8 min (74–199 min) and 137.6 ± 40.6 min (71–298 min), respectively. Conclusions The study has found that HipCOMPASS dramatically increases implantation accuracy and it is also a simple and highly versatile tool that can be implemented quickly. Given its low cost in addition to its favourable accuracy, simple implementation, and short operative time, HipCOMPASS can be regarded as a very useful and effective THA support device. Level of evidence Retrospective comparative study, Level 3.

In this study, we evaluated the hemostatic effects of tranexamic acid (TNA), an antifibrinolytic drug, by examining the timing of its administration during total hip arthroplasty. One hundred seven patients being treated for osteoarthritis of the hip joint were randomly divided into 5 groups based on the timing of TNA administration. The intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss, and hemoglobin of these patients who received TNA at different times during the procedure were monitored. We found that the intraoperative blood loss in the preoperative TNA administration groups was significantly lower than both control and postoperative TNA administration groups. Furthermore, 1 g TNA 10 minutes before surgery and 6 hours after the first administration was most effective for the reduction of blood loss during total hip arthroplasty.

This study was designed to evaluate any adverse effect of a hot water extract of black soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), when administered to both sexes of Crj:CD(SD)IGS rats at dietary levels of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.5 and 5.0% (6 rats/sex/group). During the study, the treatment had no adverse effects on clinical signs, survival, body weights, and food and water consumption, or on findings of ophthalmology, urinalysis, hematology, or blood biochemistry. Organ weights, gross pathology and histopathology exhibited no differences of toxicological significance between control and treated rats. Thus, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of black soybean extract was concluded to be 5.0% (3,618 mg/kg body weight/day for males and 4,066 mg/kg body weight/day for females) from the present study.

This paper presents a method of expressing a high-speed signal transmission line connecting the LSIs in a high-density multilayer wiring board in terms of cascaded connections of LC ladder networks. For signal transmission with a fundamental frequency beyond 1 GHz, the signal transmission lines in a multilayer board are treated as distributed transmission lines. However, there exist many scattering elements such as vias for interlayer connection in the multilayer board that disturb the transmission characteristic. Transmission characteristics affected by these elements are analyzed by electromagnetic field simulation in general. However, the simulation requires a lot of simulation time and computer resources. In order to simplify the simulation, the signal line structures in the board are constructed with combinations of several segments. Moreover, each unit segment is expressed in terms of an LC ladder network so that an analysis based on the lumped elements can be carried out within a short time. This paper describes a technique for deriving the L and C values of the ladder equivalent circuits for various unit segments such as passive components and transmission lines. By comparison with the electromagnetic field analysis and measurement, the usefulness of the method is demonstrated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(4): 18–25, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20317

This study was designed to evaluate and characterize any subchronic toxicity of a new type of gum arabic (SUPER GUM™ [Acacia(sen)SUPER GUM™]), a naturally processed polysaccharide exudate from gum acacia trees (Acacia senegal), when administered to both sexes of F344 rats at dietary levels of 0 (control), 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5.0% (10 rats/sex/group). During the study, the treatment had no effects on clinical signs, survival, body weights, and food and water consumption, or on findings of urinalysis, ophthalmology, hematology, or blood biochemistry. Gross pathology and histopathology exhibited no differences of toxicological significance between control and treated rats. Increased relative cecum (filled) weights, evident in both sexes of 5.0% group and females of 1.25% and 2.5% groups, were considered to be a physiological adaptation. Thus, the results indicated the toxic level of SUPER GUM™ to be more than 5.0%, and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was concluded to be 5.0% (3117 mg/kg body weights/day for males, and 3296 mg/kg body weights/day for males) from the present study.

Previously, we established the in vivo lung metastasis model of rat HCC induced by two hepatocarcinogens, diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) at a dose of 120 ppm. This model allows us to investigate modifying factors leading to the inhibition of metastasis formation. However, low survival rates made the evaluation of metastasis formation difficult. The current experiments were conducted to modify the experimental protocol to improve survival and to establish a better animal metastasis model. Lower doses of NMOR (80 or 40 ppm in drinking water) were given to F344 rats for 14 weeks after DEN treatment. Survival rates in the 80 ppm group and in the 40 ppm group were 57% and 81%, respectively and these values were significantly higher than that in 120 ppm. Incidences of lung metastasis in the 40 ppm group steadily increased up to 67% by week 36 while that in the 80 ppm increased sharply up to 86% by week 24. Severity of lung metastases in the 40 ppm group at week 36 was mild compared with the 80 ppm group at week 24. In the second experiment, in order to characterize HCC development and lung metastasis in the 40 ppm group, rats given DEN and then followed with 40 ppm NMOR were killed sequentially. Development of HCC was observed at week 14 and reached 100% incidence at week 20. First lung metastatic lesions were evident at week 22, and incidence of lung metastasis reached 100%. Tumor cells were identified in the blood at week 20 by RT-PCR. The current study revealed that 40 ppm NMOR for 14 weeks after DEN treatment developed HCC without lung metastases at week 22, then HCC with a frequent lung metastasis at week 40. Thus, it can be said that this system is a more appropriate model for elucidation of mechanisms of metastasis and also for analysis of factors to inhibit natural metastasis.

A subchronic oral toxicity study of dokudami extract, distilled with ethanol from the leaves of dokudami (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.), was conducted. Groups of 10 male and 10 female F344/DuCrj rats were fed dokudami extract at dietary levels of 0, 0.5, 1.5 and 5.0% for 13 weeks. There were no treatment-related adverse effects on body weight, food and water consumption, or on ophthalmology, hematology and urinalysis data. The serum BUN level was significantly increased in the 5.0% female group and remarkable elevation in absolute and relative kidney weights was also found in both sexes receiving 5.0% of dokudami extract. Furthermore, on histopathological assessment, marked mineralization at the cortico-medullary junction of the kidney was observed in the 1.5 and 5.0% female groups and the 5.0% male group. No treatment-related histopathological changes in any other organs/tissues were observed in either sex given 5.0% dokudami extract. Thus, the No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) for dokudami extract was judged to be a dietary level of 1.5% (999 mg/kg body weight/day) for males and 0.5% (350 mg/kg body weight/day) for females under the present experimental conditions.

We investigated the incidence of hip fracture in a population of patients ≥50 years old in 2004 and 2010 in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. We also investigated the long-term trends in the incidence of hip fracture from 1985 to 2010, using our previously reported survey results obtained from 1985 to 1999. In 2004 and 2010, the survey found 2,368 and 3,218 proximal femur fractures, respectively. The crude hip fracture incidence rates in 2004 and 2010 were 215.8 and 281.5 per 100,000 of population per year, respectively. For males, the incidence rates were 99.9 in 2004 and 126.3 in 2010; for females, the incidence rates were 311.0 and 410.7, respectively. In males aged 80-84 years, the incidence rate since 1999 has been decreasing, while that for males >85 years peaked in 2004. In females of all ages, the incidence rate was higher in 2010 than in all other survey periods, and in females >85 years, the incidence has increased the fastest. Additionally, the long-term changes in the age- and sex-standardized incidence each year using the 1985 population structure in Japan in females has been increasing, although it decreased in 1999. However, in males, the incidence in 2010 was not significantly different from that in 1994, although it has been increasing since 1999. Our study findings indicate that the age-specific incidence of hip fractures in the Niigata Prefecture of Japan has not plateaued in females, but that it may have done so in males; in addition, the number and incidence of hip fractures has been increasing.

Pelvic flexion affects orientation of the acetabular cup; however, pelvic position is not static in daily activities. During THA it is difficult to know the degree of pelvic flexion with the patient in the lateral position and that position is static. However, surgeons need to appropriately determine pelvic tilt to properly insert the acetabular component.We investigated the reliability of pelvic flexion angle that was measured by manually identifying the location of the pubic symphysis and bilateral anterior superior iliac spines using synthesized lateral radiographs.We synthesized 49 lateral radiographs based on CT data. Each of the 49 radiographs had a unique position: 7° of varying lateral tilt and rotation in each of seven selected pelvic flexion angles. The pelvic flexion angle was measured three times by three independent observers in each position and determined the accuracy (based on the true value from the reconstructions) and reliability of the measures.The measurement error was 0.1° (range, -4.8° to 4.0°). There was a tendency for errors when the pelvic flexion angle was 0° or ±5°; the errors were less when the pelvic flexion angle was ±10° or ±20°. Lateral tilt was associated with greater error than rotation. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the average value was 0.967. For one observer, more than two measurements are necessary for the ICC to be greater than 0.8, and only one measurement was needed for two of the three observers.Our data suggest measurement of pelvic flexion angle using lateral radiographs is reliable. We recommend the measurement be performed once by two observers for better reliability.