Purpose:We assessed the stiffness of unilateral undescended testes after orchiopexy, examining its value in tracking histopathological changes and fertility potential during postoperative follow-up. Additionally, we explored the optimal timing for surgery based on testicular stiffness.

Patients and Methods:Thirty-six boys who had been diagnosed with unilateral undescended testis and treated with orchiopexy were included in the study. Testicular stiffness was evaluated several times over respective follow-up periods by ultrasound strain elastography after orchiopexy. The strain ratios were measured as the ratios of the elasticities of the descended testis to those of the operated testes. The patients were divided into two groups based on the age at which they underwent orchiopexy:under < 2 years (Group A) and ≥ 2 years (Group B).

Results:The mean strain ratios were 0.90 ± 0.32 and 0.92 ± 0.20 in Groups A and B, respectively. In Group A, the strain ratio was constant regardless of postoperative months (r = 0.01, p = 0.99); however, in Group B, it tended to increase with postoperative months (r = 0.42, p = 0.07).

Conclusions:Evaluation of testicular stiffness may be useful for the estimation of histopathological changes and fertility potential in boys with unilateral undescended testes at follow-up appointments after orchiopexy. Our data indicate that performing orchiopexy as early as possible may be recommended to avoid testicular damage.

Aim:Ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC) and ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) are two major histological types of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), each with different biological features and clinical behaviors. Although immunostaining is commonly used for differential diagnosis between OSC and OCCC, correct identification of EOC with mixed-type histology is sometimes a diagnostic challenge. The aim of the present study was to explore candidate genes as potential diagnostic biomarkers that distinguish OSC from OCCC.

Methods:A total of 57 surgical specimens were obtained from EOC patients who had previously undergone primary debulking surgery. Total RNAs were extracted from fresh-frozen tissues of EOC patients, and were used for comprehensive gene expression analysis using DNA microarray technology.

Results:Ten candidate genes, FXYD2, TMEM101, GABARAPL1, ARG2, GLRX, RBPMS, GDF15, PPP1R3B, TOB1, and GSTM3 were up-regulated in OCCC compared to OSC. All EOC patients were divided into two groups according to hierarchical clustering using a 10-gene signature.

Conclusion:Our data suggest that the 10 candidate genes would be an excellent marker for distinguishing OSC from OCCC. Furthermore, the molecular signatures of the 10 genes may enlighten us on the differences in carcinogenesis, and provide a theoretical basis for OCCC’s resistance to chemotherapy in the future.

Background: This study investigated changes of lipid parameters in children with severe eating disorders during refeeding in order to explore the optimal timing for lipid preparation administration.

Methods: We prospectively assessed the physical conditions of patients with eating disorders after the start of nutrition therapy. The assessments were performed at admission and at 2 and 4 weeks. Lipid metabolism was assessed based on triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and free carnitine (FC) levels, as well as acylcarnitine/free carnitine (AC/FC) ratio.

Results: A total of 18 patients were included. Of these, 12 and 6 received an oral diet (OD group) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN group), respectively. The mean body mass indexes at hospital admission were 12.8 kg/m² in the OD group and 12.7 kg/m² in the TPN group. At 2 weeks after the start of refeeding, TC, TG, and AC/FC levels were significantly lower in the TPN group than in the OD group. Other blood test results did not show any significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions: Fat-free glucose-based nutrition promoted lipid metabolism over a 2-week period after the start of refeeding, suggesting that balanced energy and lipid intake are essential, even in TPN.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) frequently occurs in the spine, resulting in unstable fractures. Treating thoracolumbar fractures in patients with DISH is often difficult because the anterior opening of the vertebral body is exacerbated by dislocation in the prone position, making reduction difficult. In this study, we introduced a novel skull clamp-assisted positioning (SAP) technique. The patient is placed in a supine position with a skull clamp used in cervical spine surgery before surgery to prevent the progression of dislocation and to restore the patient’s position. Using this method, the mean difference in local kyphosis angle improved from −2.9 (±8.4)° preoperatively to 10.9 (±7.7)° postoperatively. Furthermore, posterior displacement decreased from a preoperative mean of 5.5 (±4.3) mm to 0.3 (±0.7) mm postoperatively. Complications such as neurological sequelae, implant fracture, and surgical site infection were not observed through one year of postoperative follow-up. SAP may decrease invasiveness and complications. Longer-term studies and larger sample sizes are needed to establish long-term efficacy and benefits.

Uterine leiomyomas, benign tumors common in reproductive-aged women, can display rare variants such as hydropic leiomyoma (HL), which exhibit unique histological features like zonal edema and increased vascularity. However, due to its rarity, comprehensive clinical knowledge about HL is limited. We report a case of a 49-year-old Japanese woman who was premenopausal and nulliparous, presenting with a two-year history of abdominal distension. An MRI scan revealed a 20 cm mass in the posterior part of the uterus, exhibiting characteristics suggestive of an ovarian tumor. During laparotomy, a cystic tumor connected with a swollen fibroid was found, and pathology confirmed HL. This case emphasizes that hydropic leiomyomas can mimic malignant tumors on ultrasonography due to their atypical features, necessitating additional evaluations using alternative imaging techniques or histopathological examinations for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. The patient recovered uneventfully, broadening our understanding of HL’s clinical presentation.

Background: In foot amputation, Chopart amputation is considered to have a high risk of deformity, and can result in poor function. We experienced a case in which Chopart amputation combined with tendon transfer and tendon lengthening was performed, and the patient was eventually able to walk independently with a foot prosthesis without experiencing deformity of the foot. We investigated walking speed and plantar pressure after Chopart amputation with and without a foot prosthesis.

Case: A 78-year-old man underwent Chopart amputation with tendon transfer and tendon lengthening. As a result, he was able to stand up and walk, both while bearing weight on the heel of the affected foot, but he was unable to push off the ground using that foot. When a foot prosthesis was introduced, the patient’s walking speed increased from 0.6 m/s without the prosthesis to 0.8 m/s with the prosthesis, which was an increase of 33%. The plantar pressure at the stump decreased from 129.3 N/cm² on average without the prosthesis to 51.6 N/cm² with the prosthesis, which was a 59% decrease. Wearing a foot prosthesis improved the patient’s walking speed and decreased plantar pressure at the amputation stump.

The Fukushima Medical University (FMU) International Symposium on the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS) convened for the fourth time in March 2022 to share FHMS findings within Fukushima and beyond. Dr. TAKENOSHITA Seiichi, FMU President, underscored Fukushima’s restoration journey, while Governor UCHIBORI Masao committed to partnering with FMU for residents’ welfare.

The Introduction by Dr. KAMIYA Kenji highlighted FHMS results for more than 460,000 participants, of whom 99.8% were exposed to radiation doses below 5 mSv post-accident. Thyroid examinations detected tumors, but no dose-response relationship was found. The Comprehensive Health Check showed increased lifestyle-related diseases among evacuees, with improvements in some health markers. Mental health issues initially prevalent after the accident decreased over time, and perinatal outcomes were consistent with national data.

Session 1 focused on radiation effects in Fukushima. The UNSCEAR 2020 Report indicated significantly reduced radiation exposure estimates and negligible cancer risks. Studies from Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl found no radiation-induced genetic effects.

Session 2 explored post-disaster well-being, emphasizing the evolution of psychological responses. Practices like Psychological First Aid (PFA) and emotional resilience promotion were highlighted. Katsurao Village’s post-evacuation health measures addressed lifestyle diseases, but faced challenges. The WHO framework for mental health and psychosocial support in nuclear emergencies emphasized the importance of mental health care throughout all disaster phases.

The symposium facilitated valuable insights, underlining comprehensive health strategies and the significance of long-term studies for Fukushima’s recovery and health management.

In response to the release of radioactive materials and evacuation of residents after the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS) began in June of 2011. This survey aims to provide long-term follow-up of the physical and mental health of Fukushima residents and to maintain and improve their health for the future. Every year since 2019, Fukushima Medical University (FMU) has organized the FHMS International Symposium to share survey results with people in Fukushima Prefecture and beyond. The fifth annual symposium convened at FMU’s Ekimae Campus on Saturday, 4 March 2023, with the theme, “Thinking Together about Health, Life and our Future in Fukushima.”