The Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) is a tool that can assess osteoporosis risk based on age and weight. Bone quality, including bone microstructure, as well as bone mineral density (BMD), is important for bone strength. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between the OSTA and bone strength indices other than BMD. A total of 111 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who had undergone high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in our outpatient clinic were included. The OSTA was calculated using the age and weight, and other techniques were used to evaluate the participants’ bones. To investigate the relationship between the OSTA and bone microstructure, comparisons of two groups based on OSTA and multiple regression analysis was performed. Women with OSTA below -4 had poor values for many parameters, including bone microstructural parameters. Multiple regression analysis showed that tibial microstructural parameters were associated with OSTA score independently of femoral neck BMD. OSTA was developed as a screening tool for osteoporosis, however it was found to be related to the microstructure parameters of the tibia when evaluated in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Among patients with osteoporosis, those with low OSTA may have deteriorated bone quality in the lower limbs.

We conducted an online questionnaire survey to investigate whether the prevalence of psychological distress among migrant workers in Japan is higher than that of Japanese workers. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to measure the high psychological distress (HPD) with cutoff scores of 16, 22, and 30. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of HPD between migrant and Japanese workers, and the sensitivity analysis with propensity score adjustment showed consistent results. However, when the cutoff point was set to 30, the risk of HPD in migrants decreased as their income increased compared to Japanese workers (Odds ratio=0.05, 95% Confidence interval=0.00, 0.82). While the healthy migrant effect may be beneficial in protecting migrant workers against the stressful migration process, the deficiency of a robust support system in Japanese society continues to impose psychological burdens on them. Moreover, mental health outcomes, including psychological distress, may vary due to heterogeneity within the migrant population. A Comprehensive enhancement of the receiving environment for immigrants and the establishment of a legal foundation for Japan’s immigrant policies are required.

Understanding country-specific demographic and occupational factors is crucial in optimizing silica exposure control measures. This study investigated demographic and occupational factors associated with silicosis in workers in gold mines in Mongolia. This cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2024 at two private gold mining companies in Mongolia’s western regional provinces. In total, 147 participants completed pre-administered questionnaires. Silicosis was diagnosed by chest X-rays, which were interpreted based on the International Labour Organization classification system. Associations between risk factors and silicosis were evaluated with logistic regression. The prevalence of silicosis was 16.3% (24 cases). Participants aged 30–39 years were at significantly higher risk than other age groups (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–21.97). Those engaged in loading explosives and blasting had a 5.3-fold increased risk compared with those performing other tasks (95% CI 1.28–22.32). High cumulative exposure to dust, defined by longer working years and daily exposure hours, was strongly associated with silicosis (adjusted OR 5.52, 95% CI 1.19–25.52). Use of N95 masks did not demonstrate a statistically significant protective effect. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced silica exposure control measures. Possible measures include limiting working hours and cumulative exposure durations, and implementing engineering controls (e.g., ventilation and water suppression systems) to reduce airborne silica levels, especially for those engaged in loading explosives and blasting. Such interventions are important in reducing the burden of silicosis in the Mongolian gold mining industry.

Associations between depressive symptoms and clinical factors in hemodialysis patients may differ by age. This study investigated age-related differences in factors linked to depressive symptoms. We analyzed 783 hemodialysis outpatients (582 aged ≥65; 201 <65). Depressive symptoms were defined as a Geriatric Depression Scale-5 score ≥2. Clinical data included CRP, grip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Kt/V, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Intact-PTH, and self-reported stress. Prevalence was compared by Chi-square test. Associations in each age group were assessed by logistic regression. Depressive symptoms were less common in elderly (45.5%) than non-elderly patients (59.7%). Stress was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in non-elderly patients [OR: 2.42 (1.25–4.67)]. Low SPPB [OR: 0.92 (0.87–0.97)] and stress [OR: 2.01 (1.39–2.89)] were significant in elderly patients. Stress management was an important issue for both elderly and non-elderly hemodialysis patients. In particular, it was suggested that the importance of exercise therapy for reducing depressive symptoms may differ between elderly and non-elderly hemodialysis patients.

Radiotherapy is a recognized risk factor for vascular stenosis in patients with head and neck cancer. However, the treatment for radiation-induced vascular stenosis remains undefined because of its distinct pathophysiology from that of atherosclerotic disease. Herein, we present a case of radiation-induced stenosis successfully treated with balloon dilatation, guided by the assessment of vessel wall thickness using contrast-enhanced vessel wall imaging (CE-VWI). A 49-year-old woman presented with transient left hemiparesis at an outpatient clinic. The patient had a right cavernous sinus meningioma and had undergone tumor resection followed by radiotherapy for residual tumor 2 years earlier. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed right cerebral infarction caused by severe stenosis of the right middle cerebral artery, leading to a diagnosis of radiation-induced vasculopathy. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was planned after CE-VWI demonstrated significant wall thickening at the stenosis site. The procedure resulted in clinical improvement, and the patient remained recurrence-free during follow-up. CE-VWI is a valuable tool for assessing vessel wall integrity and for determining the feasibility of angioplasty in patients with radiation-induced vascular stenosis.