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Abstract Mineral components in tap water generally contaminate sanitary ware. In this study, various cations (Mg, Ca, and Al) were added to an aqueous solution containing silica to prevent water stains on sanitary ware. The particle size in the aqueous solution was measured and observed to increase for all cations. To create artificial water stains, a solution containing the cations and silica was dropped onto glass and allowed to dry. When these water stains were removed by sliding, the removal rate was higher for the water stains that contained the cations. This trend was attributed to the formation of precipitates owing to the reaction of silica with the added cations in the aqueous solution. The formation of these precipitates possibly increased the particle size and brittleness of water stains owing to their sparse structure. These findings provide insights into silica‐scale removal, which can improve the cleanliness of sanitary ware and reduce the frequency of maintenance.

A rare case of an anomalous location of the orifice of the coronary artery was found in a 99-year-old male cadaver undergoing routine dissection. The presence of the right coronary artery (RCA), left coronary artery (LCA), and conus artery (conus branch) originating from the right Valsalva sinus are the characteristic findings of this case. Then, the LCA passed through the aorta and the pulmonary artery. The LCA and RCA branches were normal. These findings are useful for future surgical procedures, including cardiac catheterization.

Abstract Background Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury after total hip arthroplasty causes patient dissatisfaction. This cadaveric study aimed to assess the risk for LFCN injury after the direct anterior approach (DAA) and anterolateral supine approach (ALS) with a focus on the anatomical variations of the LFCN. Methods Thirty-seven hemipelves from 20 formalin-preserved cadavers (10 males and 10 females) were dissected to identify the LFCN, evaluate variations, and measure the distance from the LFCN to each approach. The LFCN was classified as classical, late, multi trunk, or primary femoral. Results There were no significant variations in the LFCN between the sexes. The distance from the LFCN to DAA incision (10 [0–17.8] mm) was significantly less than that from the LFCN to ALS incision (27 [0–40] mm); moreover, 64.9% of DAA incisions crossed the LFCN. The classical type LFCN was closest to the DAA incision. The DAA incision most frequently crossed the LFCN at the proximal third, and the frequency of intersection of the LFCN and DAA incisions decreased by 25% by a 10-mm shortening of the DAA proximal incision. In contrast, 27% of ALS incisions crossed the LFCN. Multi trunk type LFCN was closest to the ALS incision. There were no significant differences between each approach and LFCN variations, and the frequency of intersection of the LFCN and ALS incisions decreased by 20% by a 10-mm shortening of the ALS proximal incision. Conclusions The intersection rates between the LFCN and the DAA and between the LFCN and the ALS were approximately 65 and 30%, respectively. Approximately 20–25% of these injuries may be avoidable by a 10-mm shortening of the proximal incision.

Abstract The formation of silica scales from water on ceramics is a significant problem, and there is an urgent need to develop methods to prevent its formation or to remove it. In this study, we fabricated silica scales on glass substrates and investigated the effects of temperature and humidity during the drying process on the adhesion of the scales to the substrates. The scales were created from artificial water via a previously reported method, while focusing on the variations in the contact angle of water droplets on the substrates with changes in drying conditions. It was observed that the primary factors affecting the drying process are temperature and humidity. In addition, the drying rate of the droplets was in good agreement with the theoretically predicted value. Further, the scales were subjected to quantitative rubbing tests, and the scale removal rate was observed to be higher under humid conditions. The results obtained herein should aid efforts to develop methods for the easy removal of silica scales from substrates.

Bcl-2-associated athanogene 1 (Bag-1) is a multifunctional prosurvival protein that binds to several intracellular targets and promotes cell survival. HSP70 and Raf-1 are important targets of Bag-1; however, the protective function of Bag-1 in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells remains unclear. In this study, we determined the effects of Bag-1 on NP cells under oxidative stress induced by treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We found that Bag-1 was bound to HSP70, but Bag-1–Raf1 binding did not occur in NP cells. Bag-1 overexpression in NP cells enhanced cell viability and mitochondrial function and significantly suppressed p38/MAPKs phosphorylation during oxidative stress, although NP cells treated with a Bag-1 C-terminal inhibitor, which is the binding site of HSP70 and Raf-1, decreased cell viability and mitochondrial function during oxidative stress. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of the ERK/MAPKs was significantly increased in Bag-1 C-terminal inhibitor-treated NP cells without H2O2 treatment but did not change with H2O2 exposure. The phosphorylation of Raf-1 was not influenced by Bag-1 overexpression or Bag-1 C-terminal binding site inhibition. Overall, the results suggest that Bag-1 preferentially interacts with HSP70, rather than Raf-1, to protect NP cells against oxidative stress.

Abstract Background Ipsilateral branches of the deep femoral artery (DFA) are qualitatively identified as collateral arteries based on angiography after internal iliac artery (IIA) interruption. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively identify the major collateral pathway after unilateral IIA interruption during endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair to preserve the pelvic circulation and reduce the risk of ischemic complications. Methods The study population included 28 patients (mean age 76.3 years) with aortoiliac aneurysm who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with unilateral IIA interruption from August 2012 to January 2020. The diameters of the bilateral preoperative and postoperative DFA, lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA), medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) and obturator artery (ObA) were measured on contrast-enhanced computed tomography using a 3-dimensional image analysis system. The measured values were evaluated and analyzed with a repeated measures two-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s test. Results The postoperative diameters of the MFCA (P = 0.051) and ObA (P = 0.016) were observed to be larger than the preoperative diameters. Such increases in the MFCA (P

Abstract The drying behavior of silicic acid‐containing water droplets on a glass substrate was investigated by using as‐prepared aqueous silica solutions of varying concentrations to simulate water scale‐like formation. The droplets of aqueous silica solution were found to form circumferential solid silica deposits (water scale). Additionally, the drying behavior of the silica droplets was observed under varying temperature and humidity. Optical microscopy images of the deposited material showed thicker deposits in the inner part of the circumference, indicating the so‐called rush‐hour effect and induced by the coffee‐ring effect. Thus, the formation of water scale observed in daily life can be attributed to the coffee‐ring effect. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the as‐prepared water scale consisted of polymerized silica spheres. The hardness of the water scale depended on the amount of silica deposited and the initial concentration of the silica solution. Thus, the formation of water scale in daily life was concluded to occur by two mechanisms: formation of silica spheres by silica polymerization and agglomeration‐deposition by the coffee‐ring effect.

Abstract Background Infertility and gonadal dysfunction are well known side-effects by cancer treatment in males. In particularly, chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced testicular damage, resulting in prolonged azoospermia. However, information regarding therapeutics to treat spermatogenesis disturbance after cancer treatment is scarce. Recently, we demonstrated that Goshajinkigan, a traditional Japanese medicine, can completely rescue severe busulfan-induced aspermatogenesis in mice. In this study, we aimed to detect the effects of Goshajinkigan on aspermatogenesis after irradiation. Methods This is animal research about the effects of traditional Japanese medicine on infertility after cancer treatment. C57BL/6 J male mice received total body irradiation (TBI: a single dose of 6Gy) at 4 weeks of age and after 60 days were reared a Goshajinkigan (TJ107)-containing or TJ107-free control diet from day 60 to day 120. Then, two untreated females were mated with a single male from each experimental group. On day 60, 120 and 150, respectively, the sets of testes and epididymis of the mice in each group after deep anesthetization were removed for histological and cytological examinations. Results Histological and histopathological data showed that 6Gy TBI treatment decreased the fertility rate (4/10) in the control diet group; in contrast, in the TJ107-diet group, the fertility rate was 10/10 (p

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) used for sedation was reported to have organ-protecting effects in ischemia–reperfusion injury model animals. However, no testicular cell-protecting effect was observed with DEX treatment. The effects of DEX on a normal testis in vivo have not been reported. Therefore, DEX was administered to mice for 14 days to investigate the reproductive toxicology of DEX on the testis and the localization of DEX-responsive receptors. The testes, pituitary glands, and serum were examined and analyzed using real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. In the testis, α2A-adrenergic receptors were observed in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells, while imidazoline receptors were observed in germ cells and Leydig cell cytoplasm. The levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone mRNA in the pituitary gland significantly temporarily decreased. Serum DEX could not be detected 26 h after DEX administration. DEX administration did not affect serum testosterone levels, some testicular mRNA related to spermatogenesis, and oxidative stress factors. Therefore, although DEX receptors are present in the testis, DEX is metabolized relatively quickly, and DEX administration has no damaging effects on the testis. This study is the first in vivo report about the effects of DEX administration on the testis.

Neonicotinoid pesticides (NPs) are neurotoxic substances. They are highly effective as insecticides owing to their water solubility, permeability, and long-lasting activity. These molecules are structurally similar to nicotine and act as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists. The administration of NPs to experimental animals reportedly causes neuromuscular and reproductive disorders. Moreover, recently reported problems caused by NPs include damage to land-dwelling creatures (such as mammals and birds), hydrobiology, and ecosystems. This review summarizes the recent reports on NP concentrations detected in river systems in several Japanese regions. These values were lower than the environmental standard values; however, seasonal variations were observed. Furthermore, reports on NP-induced testicular and ovarian toxicity were examined, revealing that the mechanism of injury is mainly driven by oxidative stress. The use of NPs is declining worldwide, except in Japan; therefore, continuous monitoring remains necessary.

In the literature, the passive movement of the biceps brachii during shoulder motion is unclear. This study investigated the passive movement of the long head (LHBB) and short head (SHBB) of the biceps brachii during shoulder rotation. We included 18 shoulders from 15 cadavers. At three shoulder positions (internal rotation [IR]20°, 0°, external rotation [ER]20°), the three sides of the triangle consisting of the confluence of the SHBB and LHBB, coracoid processes, and lesser tubercles were measured. The confluence angle of the LHBB and SHBB (Angle A) was calculated using the cosine theorem. The mean values for Angle A and standardized three sides of the triangle were statistically compared among the three shoulder positions. Angle A values were 13.5° ± 7.6° at IR20°, 15.2° ± 5.8° at 0°, and 15.7° ± 4.3° at ER20° with no significant difference (p = 0.096). The lengths of all three sides and Angle A were the smallest at IR20° and highest at ER20°. All the three sides revealed significant differences among the three shoulder positions (p < 0.0001). These results imply that morphological changes of the biceps brachii occur during shoulder rotation. These morphological changes in biceps brachii may contribute to shoulder joint stabilization by adjusting the forces the act on the tendons of both heads.

Abstract Objective The celiac trunk normally has three branches; i.e. the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic artery. It is known that the right hepatic artery occasionally branches from the superior mesenteric artery, while the cystic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery is extremely rare. A deeper understanding of cystic arterial variations is necessary for all physicians performing examinations and surgical procedures of the hepatobiliary system. Results The cystic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery was found in the cadaver of an 86-year-old woman during an anatomy dissection class at Aichi Medical University in 2015. In this case, the cystic artery ran along the dorsal side of the portal vein through Calot’s triangle to the gallbladder. The celiac trunk had four abnormal branches, one each to the left gastric, right hepatic, splenic, and left hepatic artery. The middle colic artery was absent and the left colic artery branching from the inferior mesenteric artery was distributed along the whole length of the transverse colon. In all cases of the cystic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery, the vessel ran along the dorsal side of the portal vein; in addition, the right hepatic artery arose from the superior mesenteric artery.

Abstract Many studies on various organs have concluded that venous congestion (VC) causes severe organ dysfunction with elevation of oxidative stress relative to that of arterial ischaemia (AI). However, a comparison of the pathological effects of AI and VC on the testes has not been conducted. In this study, models of AI and VC and their reperfusion in rat testes, respectively, were developed and analysed. Testicular arteries or veins were interrupted for 6 h, re-perfused and kept for 4 weeks; the effects on the testes were then evaluated. Severe spermatogenic disturbances were observed at 4 weeks after reperfusion in AI but not in VC. At 6 h after blood flow interruption, oxidative stress was significantly increased and germ cells were severely damaged in AI compared with those in VC. RT-PCR analyses revealed that haem oxygenase-1, which exhibits anti-oxidative effects, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A, which exhibits vasculogenic effects, were significantly increased in VC but not in AI. Surprisingly, the results of our experiment in rat testes differed from those of experiments in previous studies performed in other organs. Oxidative stress in testes was more easily elevated by AI than it was by VC, explainable by the different experimental conditions.

With the increase in survival rates of cancer patients in recent years, infertility caused by anticancer treatments has become a significant concern for cancer survivors. Some studies have suggested that Sertoli cells play a key role in mediating testicular immunology in busulfan-induced aspermatogenesis. We recently demonstrated that Gosha-jinki-gan (TJ107), a traditional Japanese medicine, can completely recover injured spermatogenesis in mice 60 days after busulfan injection. In the present study, we sought to examine the levels of mRNA transcripts encoding markers of 25 Sertoli cell-specific products and 10 markers of germ cell differentiation. Our results demonstrated that only supplementation of TJ107 at day 60 after busulfan injection could significantly recover the increase in five mRNA species (Amh, Clu, Shbg, Testin, and Il1a) and the decrease in four mRNA species (Aqp8, CST9, Wnt5a, and Tjp1) in response to Busulfan (BSF) at day 120, with the increase of all examined spermatogenic markers.

Busulfan is used as a chemotherapeutic drug to treat childhood and adult chronic myelogenous leukemia, and as an immunosuppressive agent before bone marrow transplantation. A key side effect of busulfan is the alteration of male reproductive function. Infertility caused by anti-cancer treatments has become a significant concern, but there are currently limited treatments for this condition. Recently, we demonstrated that Gosha-jinki-gan, a traditional Japanese medicine, completely reversed the spermatogenesis defects caused by cancer treatment in mice. Hochu-ekki-to and Hachimi-jio-gan are commonly used to treat male infertility, and Hachimi-jio-gan shares herbal ingredients with Gosha-jinki-gan. Therefore, in the present study, we administered Hachimi-jio-gan and Hochu-ekki-to alone or in combination to mice with severe aspermatogenesis caused by busulfan treatment. We performed testis weight measurements, quantitative histological assessments of the testes and the epididymis, and evaluated sperm counts and morphology. We also assessed the expression of immune mediators and macrophage markers. Treatment with a combination of both the medicines significantly reduced busulfan-induced testicular toxicity when compared to the lone treatment with either medicine. We demonstrated that treatment efficacy was related to a differential impact on testicular inflammation, and that the synergistic effect of co-administration completely reversed the busulfan-induced damage to the reproductive functions.

Transplantation of testicular cells and tissues has been studied for the investigation of immunology of the testis, which is an immunologically privileged organ. However, reports of transplant of the testis at organ level have been extremely limited because of technical difficulties of the orthotopic testis transplantation (OTT) in experimental animals. In the present study, we developed a new and simple model of the heterotopic testis transplantation (HTT), which is donor testis transplantation into the cervical region of recipients, in a syngeneic model in rats [donor Lewis (LEW) graft to LEW recipient]. The duration of HTT was significantly shorter and success rate higher than that of OTT. To histologically evaluate HTT, the local immune responses were compared among the syngeneic model, an acute rejection allogeneic model [donor Augustus Copenhagen Irish (ACI) graft to LEW recipient] and a chronic rejection allogeneic model (donor F344 graft to LEW recipient) at postoperative day 3. We found that allogeneic ACI grafts resulted in mild and not severe orchitic lesions, whereas immune responses of allogeneic F344 grafts seemed intact and were not significantly different from those of syngeneic LEW grafts. These results suggest that our new operative procedure will be useful in future for the investigation of the testicular immunology.

Busulfan is an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drug and is often used as conditioning regimens prior to bone marrow transplant for treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Male infertility, including spermatogenesis disturbance, is known to be one of the side effects of anticancer drugs. While hormone preparations and vitamin preparations are used for spermatogenesis disturbance, their therapeutic effects are low. Some traditional herbal medicines have been administered to improve spermatogenesis. In the present study, we administered Gosha-jinki-gan (TJ107; Tsumura Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) to mice suffering from severe aspermatogenesis after busulfan treatment to determine whether TJ107 can recover spermatogenesis. Male 4-week-old C57BL/6J mice were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of busulfan, and they were then fed a normal diet for 60 days and then a TJ107 diet or TJ107-free normal diet for another 60 days. After busulfan treatment, the weight of the testes and the epididymal sperm count progressively decreased in the normal diet group. On the other hand, in the TJ107 group, these variables dramatically recovered at 120 days. These results suggest that busulfan-induced aspermatogenesis is irreversible if appropriate treatment is not administered. Supplementation of TJ107 can completely recover the injured seminiferous epithelium via normalization of the macrophage migration and reduction of the expressions of Tool-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4, suggesting that TJ107 has a therapeutic effect on busulfan-induced aspermatogenesis.

Abstract Background The nerve to the abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADMM nerve) is the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve or originates directly from the posterior tibial nerve. Damage to the ADMM nerve is a cause of heel pain and eventually results in ADMM atrophy. It is known that ADMM atrophy occurs more often in females than in males, and the reason remains unclear. This study aimed to explore sex differences in the branching pattern, position, and angle of the ADMM nerve. Methods Forty‐two cadavers (20 males, 22 females) were dissected at Aichi Medical University between 2011 and 2015. Cases of foot deformity or atrophy were excluded and 67 ft (30 male, 37 female) were examined to assess the branching pattern, position, and angle of the ADMM nerve. Results The branching positions of the ADMM nerve were superior to the malleolar–calcaneal axis (MCA) in 37 ft (55 %), on the MCA in 10 ft (15 %), and inferior to the MCA in 20 ft (30 %). There was no case among male feet in which the ADMM nerve branched inferior to the MCA, whereas this pattern was observed in 19 of 37 female feet (51 %). The branching position of the ADMM nerve was significantly closer to the MCA in female feet than in male feet. There were no significant sex differences in the branching pattern and angle of the ADMM nerve. Conclusions The ADMM nerve sometimes branches off inferior to the MCA in females, but not in males. This difference may be the reason for the more frequent occurrence of ADMM atrophy in females than in males.

The testis is an organ with immune privilege. The comprehensive blood-testis barrier formed by Sertoli cells protects autoimmunogenic spermatozoa and spermatids from attack by the body's immune system. The interleukin (IL)-6/IL-12 family cytokines IL-12 (p35/p40), IL-23 (p19/p40), IL-27 (p28/Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 [EBI3]), and IL-35 (p35/EBI3) play critical roles in the regulation of various immune responses, but their roles in testicular immune privilege are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated whether these cytokines are expressed in the testes and whether they function in the testicular immune privilege by using mice deficient in their subunits. Expression of EBI3 was markedly increased at both mRNA and protein levels in the testes of 10- or 12-week-old wild-type mice as compared with levels in 2-week-old mice, whereas the mRNA expression of p40 was markedly decreased and that of p35 was conserved between these two groups. Lack of EBI3, p35, and IL-12 receptor β2 caused enhanced infiltration of lymphocytes into the testicular interstitium, with increased interferon-γ expression in the testes and autoantibody production against mainly acrosomal regions of spermatids. Spermatogenic disturbance was more frequently observed in the seminiferous tubules, especially when surrounded by infiltrating lymphocytes, of these deficient mice than in those of wild-type mice. In particular, p35-deficient mice showed the most severe spermatogenic disturbance. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that endothelial cells and peritubular cells in the interstitium were highly positive for p35 at both ages, and CD163+ resident macrophages positive for p35 and EBI3, possibly producing IL-35, were also detected in the interstitium of 12-week-old mice but not those of 2-week-old mice. These results suggest that p35 helps in maintaining the testicular immune privilege, in part in an IL-35-dependent manner.

Under subzero degree conditions, free water contained in biological cells tends to freeze and then most living things die due to low temperatures. We examined the effect of a variable magnetic field on Drosophila under supercooled conditions (a state in which freezing is not caused even below the freezing point). Under such supercooled conditions with the magnetic field at 0°C for 72 hours, -4°C for 24 hours and -8°C for 1 hour, the Drosophila all survived, while all conversely died under the supercooled conditions without the magnetic field. This result indicates a possibility that the magnetic field can reduce cell damage caused due to low temperatures in living things.

It is unclear whether forearm and crural muscle fibers extend distally across the wrist and ankle joints, respectively. We hypothesized, in late-term fetuses, an over-production of muscle bellies extending over the joint. Muscle fibers in histological sections from unilateral wrists and ankles of 16 late-term fetuses (30–40 weeks) were examined and compared with 15 adult cadavers. Muscle fibers of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) in fetuses, especially muscle bellies to the third and fourth fingers, were found to extend far distally beyond the radiocarpal joint. The extensor digitorum and extensor pollicis longus on the extensor side of the wrist were found to carry distally-extending muscle fibers, but these fibers did not extend beyond the distal end of the radius. In the ankle, most muscle bundles in the flexor hallucis longus (FHL), fibularis brevis (FB) and extensor digitorum longus extended distally beyond the talocrural joint, with most FB muscle fibers reaching the level of the talocalcaneal joint. In adult cadavers, muscle fibers of the FDP and FHL did not reach the levels of the radiocarpal and talocrural joints, respectively, whereas the FB muscle belly always reached the talocalcaneal joint. Similarly, some of the FDS reached the level of the radiocarpal joint. Generally, infants’ movements at the wrist and ankle could result in friction injury to over-extended muscle. However, the calcaneal and FDP tendons might protect the FB and FDS tendons, respectively, from friction stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]